CAF has officially informed all of its members that the CHAN tournament has been increased from 16 to 18 teams and will take effect from the 2022 edition scheduled in Algeria from January 8 to 31, 2023.
The new structural change gives one qualifying place to UNAF and WAFU A zones, going from 2 to 3 places.
A total 47 out of 54 countries were in the qualifiers. CAF has also unveiled a new date for the draw for the playoffs which was Initially scheduled for April 29 but is now set for May 26.
For the tournament proper, the 18 teams will be divided into 5 groups. The first three groups (A, B and C) will consist of four teams, while the last two (D and E) will see the presence of three teams each.
The first two of groups A, B and C will qualify for the quarter-finals, while only the first of groups D and E will validate their ticket in the next round.
Qualifications Quota by Zones
UNAF (2 teams + Algeria)
WAFU A (3 teams)
WAFU B (3 teams)
UNIFFAC (3 teams)
CECACAF (3 teams)
COSAFA (3 teams).
Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) is a tournament exclusively for players playing in the country league (Home Based Players).