The 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), marking its fifth edition, was a remarkable chapter in African football history. Hosted by Morocco from January 13 to February 4, 2018, the tournament delivered high drama, surprise contenders, and a crowning achievement for the Atlas Lions, who became the first hosts to ever lift the CHAN trophy.
2018 African Nations Championship: Background and Host Selection
Originally, Kenya was selected to host the tournament soon after the conclusion of the 2016 edition in Rwanda. However, organisational setbacks led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Kenya of its hosting rights in September 2017. A new tender saw bids from Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, and Morocco, with Morocco winning. This pivotal change not only brought the tournament north but also set the stage for one of the most memorable competitions in CHAN history.
Format and Qualification
The 2018 CHAN followed a standard 16-team format. Teams featured exclusively players active in their respective national domestic leagues, differentiating it from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Qualification rounds were highly competitive, held between April and August 2017, with Rwanda and Ethiopia battling for the Central-East Zone spot after Egypt declined to participate due to a congested calendar.
Qualified Teams
Notable qualifiers included Morocco, Nigeria, Libya, Angola, and debutant Namibia. Defending champions and previous finalists DR Congo and Mali both failed to qualify, underscoring the tournament’s unpredictability.
Venues and Infrastructure
Matches were staged across four major Moroccan cities: Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier. The final, attended by a crowd of 75,000, took place at the majestic Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, a ground steeped in local and continental football history.
Tournament Structure and VAR Debut
Four groups of four teams competed in the group stages, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout phase. Notably, the 2018 CHAN marked the debut of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in CAF competitions, introduced during the knockout rounds and marking a significant step forward in African football officiating.
Group Stage Highlights
- Group A: Morocco topped the group with convincing wins, while Sudan also advanced. Guinea and Mauritania rounded out the group.
- Group B: Zambia and surprise package Namibia pushed out Uganda and the Ivory Coast.
- Group C: Nigeria displayed consistency, advancing alongside former champions Libya.
- Group D: Congo and Angola edged out Burkina Faso and Cameroon.
Knockout Stage Drama
Quarter-Finals
- Morocco defeated Namibia (2-0)
- Zambia fell to Sudan (0-1)
- Nigeria edged Angola in extra time (2-1)
- Libya advanced past Congo via penalties after a 1-1 draw
Semi-Finals
- Morocco ousted Libya 3-1 after extra time, showcasing their attacking strength led by Ayoub El Kaabi.
- Nigeria narrowly beat Sudan 1-0, thanks to Gabriel Okechukwu’s goal.
Third Place Play-Off
Sudan clinched third place by defeating Libya on penalties after a 1-1 draw, highlighting the tournament’s competitiveness even beyond the final.
The Grand Finale: Morocco vs Nigeria
On February 4, 2018, a packed Stade Mohammed V witnessed Morocco overwhelm Nigeria 4-0, setting a new standard for CHAN finals. Zakaria Hadraf gave Morocco the lead just before halftime; Nigeria’s hopes withered further after Peter Moses was sent off early in the second half. Walid El Karti, Hadraf (adding a second), and the tournament’s top scorer, Ayoub El Kaabi, all found the net, ensuring a resounding victory for the hosts.
Key Match Facts
- Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
- Attendance: 75,000
- Man of the Match: Zakaria Hadraf (Morocco)
- Notable Record: Morocco became the first host nation to win the CHAN title, securing their first continental title since 1976.
Stars and Awards
- Top Scorer: Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) with 9 goals, setting a new CHAN record.
- Best Player: Ayoub El Kaabi
- Fair Play Award: Morocco, for exemplary conduct on and off the pitch.
- Official Team of the Tournament: Featured players from Sudan, Morocco, Nigeria, and more.
Team of the Tournament (Sample Positions)
- Goalkeeper: Akram El Hadi (Sudan)
- Defenders: Badr Benoun (Morocco), Stephen Eze (Nigeria)
- Midfielders: Walid El Karti (Morocco), Dayo Ojo (Nigeria)
- Forwards: Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Saleh Taher (Libya).
Impact and Legacy
The success of the 2018 CHAN had lasting effects:
- Boosted Morocco’s footballing credentials, serving as a catalyst for future continental ambitions.
- The introduction of VAR underscored CAF’s commitment to modernisation.
- Enhanced competitiveness cemented CHAN’s importance as a platform for homegrown African talent.
Final Rankings
| Position | Team | Record | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 5W 1D 0L | Champions |
| 2 | Nigeria | 4W 1D 1L | Runners-up |
| 3 | Sudan | 3W 2D 1L | Third place |
| 4 | Libya | 2W 2D 2L | Fourth place |