African Nations Championship (CHAN): A look back at the 2009 edition

Africa 24 July 2025 at 12:03

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

In 2009, Côte d’Ivoire hosted the very first edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Eight nations participated in the tournament: Côte d’Ivoire (the host nation), Zambia, Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, and Libya.

DR Congo, the first champions

Backed by the golden generation from TP Mazembe, the Congolese national team lifted the trophy at the inaugural African Nations Championship (CHAN).

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In the group stage, the Leopards collected just 4 points, thanks to their win against Libya (2-0) and a draw with Zimbabwe (1-1), though they fell to Ghana with a 0-3 defeat.

In the semi-finals, they knocked out Zambia (2-1) before clinching the title in the final with a 2-0 victory over Ghana, thanks to goals from Dioko Kaluyituka and Bedi Mbenza.

Given Singuluma finishes top scorer

The Zambian striker claimed the top scorer’s trophy at Africa’s second most prestigious national team competition with an impressive tally of 5 goals.

He finished ahead of Congo’s Dioko Kaluyituka (3 goals), as well as Abdul Rahim Ayew, Edmund Owusu-Ansah, Yaw Antwi, Serge Lofo Bongeli, Alpha Oumar Sow, and Philip Marufu, each of whom scored twice.