As the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, all eyes are on the local stars vying to etch their names into African football history. Since the tournament’s inception in 2009, only seven players have claimed the prestigious Best Player of the Tournament award, a title that has elevated them into the CHAN Hall of Fame.
Exclusively reserved for players competing in domestic leagues, CHAN has been the launchpad for raw, homegrown talent to rise onto the continental and global stage. Below is a look back at the tournament’s greatest individual performers.
2009 – Trésor Mputu Mabi (DR Congo)
The inaugural edition in Côte d’Ivoire saw the rise of DR Congo’s mercurial midfielder Trésor Mputu. A true engine of the squad, his vision and leadership carried DR Congo to CHAN’s first-ever title. Mputu set the gold standard for CHAN MVPs.
2011 – Zouheir Dhaouadi (Tunisia)
In Sudan, Tunisia’s Zouheir Dhaouadi mesmerized audiences with his playmaking skills and goal-scoring flair. Joint top scorer and architect of Tunisia’s first CHAN title, Dhaouadi became a cult hero in North African football.
2014 – Ejike Uzoenyi (Nigeria)
Ejike Uzoenyi’s electric pace and deadly crosses tore defences apart in South Africa. His MVP-winning campaign helped earn him a call-up to Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad — a testament to CHAN’s impact in shaping international careers.
2016 – Meshack Elia (DR Congo)
Meshack Elia lit up Rwanda’s edition with dazzling footwork and clinical finishing. He spearheaded DR Congo’s march to their second CHAN title, becoming the tournament’s undisputed game-changer.
2018 – Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Arguably CHAN’s most dominant forward, Ayoub El Kaabi shattered records by scoring nine goals on home soil in Morocco. A hat-trick against Guinea and consistent attacking brilliance saw him lead his country to their maiden CHAN triumph.
2020 – Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco)
Morocco defended their crown in 2020, thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s elegant, goal-laden displays. His five-goal haul and ability to unlock defences earned him MVP honours — cementing Morocco’s growing supremacy at CHAN.
2022 – Houssem Eddine Mrezigue (Algeria)
In a tournament Algeria narrowly lost, Houssem Mrezigue stood out as the tournament’s metronome in midfield. His tactical awareness and consistency earned him the top individual award, further proving that brilliance isn’t always about lifting the trophy.
These seven men didn’t just play football — they defined CHAN’s legacy. Their performances inspired fans, raised the bar for future participants, and showcased the untapped talent hidden across Africa’s domestic leagues.
Now, with PAMOJA 2024 underway in East Africa, a new star is destined to rise. By the time the final whistle blows in Nairobi, one more name will join this elite club of CHAN greats.
Source: CAF Online
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