Africa-Press – Lesotho. The African football landscape is facing a major setback following reports that the African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to be cancelled, dealing a blow to players, fans, and national associations across the continent.
Since its inception, CHAN has served as a vital platform dedicated exclusively to home-based players, offering local talents a rare opportunity to perform on a continental stage. For many, the tournament has been a gateway to professional growth, national recognition, and transfers abroad, while also strengthening domestic leagues and raising their profile.
The cancellation represents a significant disappointment for football fans who have come to embrace CHAN as a celebration of Africa’s grassroots football identity. It also deprives coaches and scouts of a competitive environment to assess emerging players operating outside the global spotlight of Europe and other major leagues.
However, the setback also highlights the persistent structural and logistical challenges facing African football, from congested calendars and funding constraints to organizational hurdles. While the loss of CHAN is a setback, it may also serve as a moment for reflection.
Stakeholders are now being urged to channel efforts into reinforcing domestic leagues, youth competitions, and alternative development pathways to ensure home-based players continue to receive exposure and competitive opportunities. Strengthening these structures could help safeguard the future of local talent, even in the absence of one of the continent’s most important platforms.
As African football awaits official confirmation and further clarity, the hope remains that CHAN’s absence—if confirmed—will be temporary, and that lessons learned from this episode will ultimately contribute to a stronger and more resilient football ecosystem across the continent.
