African Nations Championship 2024/25

The African Nations Championship was established by the Confederation of African Football in September 2007, with the first edition staged in 2009. It operated as a biennial tournament that distinguished itself by requiring squads to consist solely of players registered within their respective home countries’ domestic leagues. This restriction meant foreign-based professionals could not participate, a rule designed to highlight local talent and bolster domestic competitions. While the Africa Cup of Nations showcased the continent’s elite regardless of location, this competition focused on homegrown players and was traditionally held in even-numbered years.

The structure evolved over time. Until 2021, sixteen nations competed across four groups of four, with the top teams advancing to a knockout stage. From the 2022 edition onwards, the field expanded to eighteen teams split into three groups of six. Qualification routes were managed through regional CAF zones. Morocco emerged as the most successful nation, securing titles in 2018, 2020 and 2024, while DR Congo claimed two victories in 2009 and 2016. The 2024 edition was won by Morocco.

In December 2025, CAF announced the abolition of the tournament, replacing it with the African Nations League, which permits foreign-based players. The 2025 edition, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, took place in August 2025, making it the final tournament under the old format. There was no promotion or relegation system associated with the competition. The participating nations for the current context include Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo and DR Congo.