Kenya’s Harambee Stars will be facing a baptism of fire when they make their African Nations Championship (Chan) debut as they face some former winners of the competition.

Zambia

Zambia have been regular features in Chan , qualifying for the finals an impressive four times out of the previous seven editions.

The Southern African nation has undoubtedly proven its ability and earned its rightful place as amongst the best teams in African football.

Their last taste of continental success came at 2012 Afcon when they became the second Southern African nation after South Africa (1996) to win the Afcon.

Despite continental success eluding them in recent years, Chipolopolo have maintained their status in the Southern African region, winning seven regional COSAFA titles with the most recent being from 2023.

How they qualified:

Zambia qualified as a result of a walk-over following the pulling out of Mozambique.

Nickname: Chipolopolo

Total Appearances: Four (2009, 2016, 2018, 2020)

Last Appearance: Cameroon 2020

Best Finish: 3rd (2009)

Titles: 0

FIFA Ranking: 87

Coach: Avram Grant

Captain: Kabaso Chongo

Morocco

Morocco enters Chan 2024 looking to make history by becoming the first nation to win the tournament three times, having already claimed back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020.

Morocco’s journey in Chan has been particularly impressive in recent years. After their first appearance in 2014, they participated in three consecutive tournaments (2016, 2018, and 2020), culminating in back-to-back victories in their last two appearances. Their absence from the 2022 edition has only heightened their determination to reclaim the trophy.

How they qualified

The Atlas Lions qualified automatically for Chan 2024 as the only representative so far from the North African Football Union zone. They enter the tournament sharing the record for most titles (2) with DR Congo, making their fifth appearance in the competition since their debut in South Africa 2014.

Nickname: Atlas Lions

Previous Appearances: 4 (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)

Best Finish: Champions (2018, 2020)

Chan Titles: 2

Fifa Ranking: 14

Head Coach: Tarik Sektioui

DR Congo

As two-time champions, DR Congo heads into Chan with aspirations of reclaiming their crown.

The Leopards, led by head coach Otis N’Goma, aim to consolidate their status as one of the tournament’s most decorated teams and are determined to add a third title to their impressive record.

How they qualified

The Leopards demonstrated their resilience during qualification. After being held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in the first leg, they turned the tables with a convincing 3-1 home victory to secure their spot in the tournament.

Nickname: The Leopards

Number of Appearances: 7 (2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022, 2024)

Titles: 2 (2009, 2016)

Angola

Chan 2024 will see Angola making their fifth appearance from the seven in total that have been played since 2009.

After missing out on the first edition in 2009, the Sable Antelopes made their debut two years later at the Sudan finals where they put up a strong performance that saw them finish fourth after being edged by the hosts in the third-place play-off.

Under the guidance of coach Pedro Gonçalves, Angola are amongst the strongest teams from the Southern African region and will be looking at going all the way in their fifth attempt.

How they qualified

Angola had a tricky opponent in Lesotho who have been on an impressive rise of form of late.

The Sable Antelopes advanced to the finals after overcoming Lesotho over two legs to secure their fifth Chan appearance.

Nickname: The Sable Antelopes

Total Appearances: Four (2011, 2016, 2018, 2022)

Last Appearance: Algeria 2022