Exclusive: Yves Diba-Ilunga discusses improvements for CHAN

Yves Diba-Ilunga praises CHAN

Burkina Faso/@fasozine

Former Léopard Yves Diba-Ilunga has spoken highly of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the tournament dedicated to local players across Africa.

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However, this did not stop him from urging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address certain shortcomings, as he shared in an exclusive statement to Foot Africa.

Having personally experienced the Ivory Coast 2009 adventure, there’s nothing major to criticize about this competition. Of course, there are always minor things to improve. It's up to the organizers to identify and fix them, especially in terms of communication.

As a reminder, the 8th edition of CHAN will take place from August 2 to 10 in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

CHAN roll of honour

2009: DR Congo (Ghana 2nd, Zambia 3rd)

2011: Tunisia (Angola 2nd, Sudan 3rd)

2014: Libya (Ghana 2nd, Nigeria 3rd)

2016: DR Congo (Mali 2nd, Côte d’Ivoire 3rd)

2018: Morocco (Nigeria 2nd, Sudan 3rd)

2019: Morocco (Mali 2nd, Guinea 3rd)

2022: Senegal (Algeria 2nd, Madagascar 3rd)

Austin Odongo the 19-year-old Shabana FC attacking midfielder is among the players who made the cut into coach Benni McCarthy’s final squad for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) that kicks off in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania this weekend.@beebree0#AustinOdongopic.twitter.com/NeAQJtP5X0— simba N Joseph (@SimbaJoseph) July 31, 2025