Latest news with #TotalEnergiesCAFCHAN
CAF
12-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
All systems go as CAF concludes successful TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 final round of inspections in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
Published: Saturday, 12 July 2025 CAF, LOC fine-tune final preparations ahead of much-anticipated kick off TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 to take place between 02 – 30 August 2025 East Africa gears up to host record-breaking TotalEnergies CAF CHAN competition The Confédération Africain de Football ('CAF') has concluded a highly successful 8-day inspection tour of host venues for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, set to be staged in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 2 to 30 August 2025. The final round of inspections and workshops kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday, 3 July where the CAF delegation conducted final inspections at the Kasarani Stadium - hosts of the Final, as well as the Nyayo International Stadium. The inspection proceeded to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, as we well as Dar Es Salaam's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium which is set to host the Opening Ceremony. The final rounds of inspections concluded on Thursday, 9 July at the Mandela International Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. The comprehensive inspection mission was led by CAF's various functional leads from key departments such as Competitions, Marketing, Media, Broadcast, Safety & Security, and Infrastructure, who were joined by their Local Organising Committee counterparts across the three host nations. With just days to go before the kick-off of the tournament, the successful conclusion of the final round of inspections marks a significant milestone in the exciting countdown East Africa's hosting of what promises to be a spectacular celebration of African football. The successful inspection reflects the collective readiness and growing excitement across the three host nations ahead of the start of the competition. CAF expresses its appreciation to the Governments and Local Organising Committees of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their commitment and cooperation to delivering a successful TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship event. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, visit -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
30-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
A legacy of local heroes: TotalEnergies CAF CHAN Champions Timeline
Since its inception in 2009, the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) has become a platform to celebrate local talent. Reserved exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, the competition showcases raw potential and national pride. As the tournament heads to East Africa for the 2025 edition, CAFOnline takes a look at how each champion claimed their respective titles. 2009 – DR Congo (Hosts: Côte d'Ivoire) The inaugural TotalEnergies CAF CHAN was won by DR Congo, who asserted their dominance early. Despite a rocky group stage that included a 3–0 loss to Ghana, the Leopards regrouped and made it all the way to the final. There, they got their revenge, defeating Ghana 2–0 to lift the first-ever TotalEnergies CHAN in Cote d'Ivoire. 2011 – Tunisia (Hosts: Sudan) In the second edition held in Sudan, Tunisia emerged victorious with a strong and structured team. After advancing past Algeria in the semi-finals on penalties, the Carthage Eagles overwhelmed Angola 3–0 in the final, showing tactical superiority and disciplined football. 2014 – Libya (Hosts: South Africa) Libya's run in 2014 was nothing short of dramatic. Every knockout match ended in a draw and was decided by penalties. They beat Gabon and Zimbabwe in shootouts before edging Ghana 4–3 in the final. Their resilience and composure under pressure marked one of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN competition's most remarkable campaigns. 2016 – DR Congo (Hosts: Rwanda) DR Congo returned to the top in 2016 with a commanding campaign. The Leopards defeated hosts Rwanda in the quarter-finals, edged Guinea in a tight semi-final, and dismantled Mali 3–0 in the final to become the first two-time champions of the competition. This was also the first time the tournament was hosted in East Africa as it prepares to make its return in August when Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda stage the finals. 2018 – Morocco (Hosts: Morocco) As hosts, Morocco made history by becoming the first nation to lift the title on home soil. They were dominant throughout, scoring freely and playing with flair. Their 4–0 win over Nigeria in the final reflected a squad brimming with talent and confidence. 2020 – Morocco (Hosts: Cameroon) Morocco defended their title in Cameroon, becoming the first back-to-back CHAN winners. They overcame Cameroon 4–0 in the semi-finals and edged Mali 2–0 in the final. The Atlas Lions' mix of technical skill and defensive discipline proved too much for their opponents. The Atlas Lions' title defense saw them join DR Congo as the two nations to have two TotalEnergies CAF CHAN titles to their names. 2022 – Senegal (Hosts: Algeria) In the most recent edition, Senegal clinched their maiden TotalEnergies CAF CHAN title. After a tight tournament marked by narrow wins and defensive solidity, they faced hosts Algeria in the final. After a goalless draw, the Lions of Teranga triumphed 5–4 on penalties, capping a new chapter in West African football. Eyes on 2025 With Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda co-hosting the next edition, East Africa will take centre stage for the first time. With rising domestic talent and historic ambition, the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2025 promises to be a thrilling showcase of Africa's grassroots football potential. For a full list of fixtures and venues, CLICK HERE
CAF
30-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know the Coach: Molefi Ntseki (South Africa)
South Africa will look to make a strong statement at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, and the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's locally based squad will rest on the experienced shoulders of Molefi Ntseki. While Hugo Broos remains the head coach of South Africa's senior national team, it is Ntseki who has been appointed to take charge of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN squad, which consists exclusively of players competing in the domestic leagues. Ntseki's appointment was confirmed earlier this year, with national team assistant coach Helman Mkhalele stepping back from coaching the qualifiers squad. Ntseki, who was a school teacher before transitioning to coaching will be assisted by TotalEnergies CAF U-20 winning coach, Raymond Mdaka. The former technical director of Marumo Gallants received a recommendation from the SAFA technical committee and has since focused on scouting and preparing players from the Premiership and lower divisions, aiming to build a competitive team that can challenge for honours when the tournament kicks off in August. His extensive knowledge of South African football and experience developing young players have made him the ideal choice to lead a squad drawn entirely from local talent, many of whom will be getting their first taste of continental football. Name: Molefi Ntseki Nationality: South African Age: 54 years Current Team: South Africa (CHAN Team) Tenure: 2025 Career Highlights Ntseki rose to prominence as head coach of South Africa's U17 national team, guiding them to a runners-up finish at the 2015 African U17 Championship and qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup. He first served as assistant coach of Bafana Bafana before being appointed head coach of the senior national team in 2019, overseeing the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2021 qualification campaign. Ntseki also had a brief stint as Kaizer Chiefs head coach in 2023 and has held roles in youth development at clubs including Free State Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic. Coaching StyleNtseki favours a disciplined, pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive organisation and structured build-up play. He often uses systems like 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 to keep the team compact while allowing quick transitions. His style has proven effective in stabilising teams and getting the best out of emerging talents. TotalEnergies CAF CHAN Experience CHAN 2024 will mark Ntseki's first time in charge at a TotalEnergies CAF CHAN tournament, although his experience coaching South Africa's junior and senior national teams gives him valuable insight into continental competition. His task will be to prepare a competitive side from a player pool limited to those active in South Africa's domestic leagues. Impact on the TeamNtseki's appointment has already sparked renewed focus on local talent, with several in-form Premiership players earning their first national team call-ups. His emphasis on discipline, structure, and giving opportunities based on merit has been welcomed by players eager to prove themselves on the continental stage. Ntseki has made it clear his goal is not simply to participate but to mount a serious challenge, restore pride in Bafana Bafana's local contingent, and unearth future stars for the senior national team. Fun Fact Ntseki remains passionate about youth development and is often spotted at youth and Reserve League matches, where he scouts potential new faces for national teams. He frequently cites his teaching background as a key asset in communicating effectively with young players. Conclusion With Molefi Ntseki at the helm, South Africa's TotalEnergies CAF CHAN squad enters the tournament with hope and determination. His experience and belief in local talent provide optimism that Bafana Bafana can compete fiercely and make an impact at this year's finals.
CAF
25-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Senegal's title defence begins
As the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicks off looms, all eyes are on defending champions Senegal as they begin their title defence on East African soil. The much anticipated eighth edition of the tournament will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda between 02 – 30 August, with 19 strong contenders set to contest the coveted TotalEnergies CAF CHAN title. In a tournament filled with history, ambition, and pride, the Teranga Lions arrive not only as title holders but as the undisputed standard-bearers of African football excellence. This year's competition marks a historic milestone—it will be co-hosted by three nations for the first time in CHAN's history. The upcoming edition also signals the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN's return to East African soil for the first time since Rwanda staged the tournament in 2016, bringing with it fresh energy, enthusiastic fans, and a renewed sense of purpose. Senegal's rise in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Their senior national team captured the continent's imagination by winning the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2021. That triumph set the tone for a golden era in Senegalese football. Since then, the country has clinched titles in every major CAF competition available to them: CHAN 2022, AFCON U-17, AFCON U-20, and the Beach Soccer AFCON. This unprecedented run of success highlights the depth, talent, and cohesion within Senegalese football structures, and makes them a formidable force at every level. Their 2022 triumph in Algeria was historic. Not only did they lift the title for the first time, but the tournament itself set new benchmarks—breaking previous records for stadium attendance and television viewership across Africa and beyond. As the 2025 edition begins, the pressure is now on Pape Thiaw's squad to maintain Senegal's dominance. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the Teranga Lions are more than capable of mounting a serious title defence. For the East African hosts, this is more than just a tournament—it's a celebration of football's unifying power. For Senegal, it's a continuation of a legacy.
CAF
16-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Maema, McCarthy return to club set up post TotalEnergies CAF CHAN performances
For most of the 2024/25 season, the Neo Maema watched from the sidelines as new signings and tactical tweaks pushed him further down the pecking order at Mamelodi Sundowns. The same fans who once chanted his name at Loftus were now asking whether his time at the club had run its course. Whispers of a potential exit were growing louder, and by January, they didn't feel like rumours anymore. Then came the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers. South Africa's return to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship after 12 years brought little fanfare at first, but for players like Maema, it represented something much more than another tournament. It was a second chance. Under Helman Mkhalele, Maema thrived. He looked free again, sharp again, important again. He played with rhythm, creating and combining like the player who had first lit up the PSL in Bloemfontein Celtic colours years earlier. It was during that tournament that everything began to change. Maema's performances reignited belief. He came back to Sundowns different. Hungrier. Quicker. More decisive. Within weeks, he was back in the matchday squad. A few solid cameos followed. Then a start. Then, against all odds, a call-up to Sundowns' final squad for the FIFA Club World Cup. He went from being an afterthought to representing the club on the world stage. Over at Naturena, a similar story was unfolding. Aden McCarthy had been promoted to Kaizer Chiefs' senior side a while ago but hadn't kicked a ball in the first team. On paper, he was part of the squad. In reality, he was nowhere near the XI. It wasn't lack of talent. The timing was never right. Coaches came and went, and McCarthy stayed stuck on the fringes. But when the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN qualification rolled around, McCarthy got his shot. He impressed in camp, then impressed even more in the matches. What he showed for Bafana was enough for Chiefs to take another look. When they faced Marumo Gallants in a league clash not long after, McCarthy was thrown into the deep end. He didn't just survive. He shone. Confident on the ball, calm under pressure, and alert defensively, McCarthy put on a display that got fans and coaches alike to sit up. Since that night, he's featured more regularly, finally carving out a space for himself in the first team. These stories are not just feel-good sidebars. They are proof that the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN matters. In a local game where opportunity is often limited for some players, CHAN provides a rare window to reset the narrative. It strips away the star power of European-based players and lets homegrown talent speak for itself. And in the cases of Maema and McCarthy, it gave them just the stage they needed. For Southern African football, the tournament has done more than offer game time. It's restored confidence, opened doors, and reminded clubs of the gems they already have.
