){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
GIR
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
REN
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
LIV
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
NEW
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
FUL
){kind=logo}
SUN
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=logo}
TOT
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
LYON
){kind=logo}
ALA
){kind=logo}
LEV
){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=small}
MCI
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEH
){kind=logo}
MLL
){kind=small}
BAR
){kind=small}
NICE
){kind=small}
TFC
){kind=logo}
VAL
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
NFO
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
CRY
){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
LIL
){kind=logo}
CEL
){kind=logo}
GET
){kind=small}
SCO
){kind=logo}
PAR
)
Discover the top five most formidable nations to watch in this year’s African Nations Championship.
As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) nears kickoff in August across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, several football powerhouses are emerging as serious contenders for the crown.
With domestic-based talent on full display, CHAN serves as a platform for both experienced nations and rising sides to battle for continental supremacy.
Pulse Sports takes a look at the top five most formidable nations heading into this year’s tournament.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
5. Kenya – Harambee Stars
)
As one of the co-hosts, Kenya enters CHAN 2024 with both pressure and opportunity.
Drawn into the tournament’s so-called "Group of Death" alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, the Harambee Stars are certainly up against it.
However, home advantage, boosted by refurbished stadiums like Nyayo and Kasarani offers a vital edge.
Benni McCarthy's men will count on a passionate home crowd and a growing pool of domestic talent to mount a challenge.
4. DR Congo
A proven CHAN heavyweight, DR Congo has lifted the trophy twice, in the inaugural 2009 edition and again in 2016.
Their qualification campaign was solid, highlighted by a convincing 3-1 home victory over Chad to secure their spot in the finals.
DRC’s strength lies in their tactical maturity, depth in domestic leagues, and big-stage composure.
Having been placed in the same group as hosts Kenya, the Congolese will relish a familiar East African environment and are more than capable of topping the group.
3. Nigeria – Super Eagles
)
Nigeria returns to CHAN 2024 after missing the previous edition, and they do so in style.
The Super Eagles qualified with a statement win over regional rivals Ghana, defeating them 3-1 to book their ticket.
Known for their attacking flair and physical dominance, Nigeria's home-based players are highly motivated to restore national pride.
Placed in Group D alongside Senegal, Congo, and Sudan, Nigeria has a balanced path to the knockouts.
Historically semifinalists, they will aim to finally go all the way with a squad hungry to impress and break the title drought.
2. Algeria
)
Algeria remains a formidable force despite falling short in the 2022 CHAN final.
With one of the strongest domestic football systems in North Africa, the Desert Foxes are built on tactical intelligence, disciplined defense, and swift transitions.
They've been in good form leading into the tournament, and their recent history, culminating in a silver medal finish in the previous CHAN edition, proves they are consistent contenders.
Their players will be looking to complete the job this time around and secure their first CHAN title.
1. Morocco
)
No team walks into CHAN 2024 with more swagger and pedigree than Morocco.
Winners of the 2018 and 2020 editions, the Atlas Lions are aiming for a historic third consecutive title.
Their domestic league is among the best in Africa, providing a deep well of technically sound, tactically disciplined talent.
Drawn in Group A with hosts Kenya, Morocco faces early tests, but their unbeaten run in previous CHAN finals and confidence on big stages make them favorites to dominate yet again.
With a squad rich in experience and guided by a winning culture, Morocco stands tall as the team to beat in 2024.
CHAN 2024 promises intense matchups, breakout stars, and plenty of surprises.
While Morocco leads the pack with undeniable dominance, Algeria, Nigeria, and DR Congo are close behind, ready to capitalize on any misstep.
Kenya, backed by home support, could just be the dark horse story fans crave.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)