The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, delivered unforgettable football moments, passionate crowds, and thrilling action across the region. Beyond the goals and victories, the tournament also shone a spotlight on individual brilliance, with each game producing a standout performer honored with the prestigious TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
These awards were given by CAF’s Technical Study Group to players who not only influenced games with goals or assists but also showed tactical discipline, leadership, and composure under pressure. From group stages to the dramatic final, several players etched their names into CHAN history through their match-winning performances.
Group Stage Highlights
The group stage offered a platform for emerging stars and established names to impress. Tanzania’s Feisal Salum Abdallah set the tone early with a commanding performance in their opening win over Burkina Faso, while Kenya’s Alpha Chris Onyango earned recognition in their narrow victory against DR Congo. Morocco’s Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Madagascar’s Ramandimbisoa Michel Toldo, and Guinea’s Alhassane Bangoura also stood out during the early rounds.
Other notable mentions included Ibrahim Maboto Mubalu for DR Congo, Allan Okello for Uganda, and Alex Young Oyowah of Nigeria, who carried their teams with decisive performances. Players like Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer of Sudan and Libasse Gueye of Senegal displayed consistency in tough matches, ensuring their countries remained competitive.
Knockout Stage Performers
As the stakes grew higher, the spotlight shone brighter on individuals who delivered under immense pressure. Kenya’s Alpha Onyango once again emerged as a hero in the quarter-final against Madagascar, even though his side eventually fell on penalties. Morocco’s Hrimat and Sudan’s Mohamed Alnour Adam Saeed were also rewarded for their resilience in tense encounters.
In the semi-finals, Madagascar’s Rijaniaina Nicolas Randriamanampisoa and Morocco’s Youssef Belammari dominated proceedings, propelling their nations into the final and third-place playoff respectively. The bronze medal match saw Senegal’s Daouda Ba recognized for his all-round display, while Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui sealed his place in history with a man-of-the-match performance in the thrilling 3–2 victory over Madagascar in the final.
Kenya’s Breakthrough Stars
For Kenya, the tournament highlighted the rise of new heroes. Alpha Onyango proved to be the heartbeat of the Harambee Stars, earning multiple awards and recognition for his composure and midfield dominance. Ryan Ogam also had his moment of glory when he was named man of the match in the decisive group-stage win over Zambia. These performances not only lifted the Kenyan team but also cemented their reputation as players to watch in future competitions.
CHAN 2024 will be remembered not only for Morocco’s record third title but also for the unforgettable individual brilliance that lit up every match
