CHAN 2022 Group C: Morocco, the side to beat, with a question mark hanging over them

Will Morocco take part in CHAN 2022? The question is still unanswered with the competition starting on 13 January. For now, the Moroccans have been drawn in group C, where they are the team everyone will want to avoid. The reason is simple: the home-based Atlas Lions have won the last two editions, the latest in Cameroon in 2020 and the 2018 one on home soil. At those tournaments, Morocco also swept the top scorer and best player awards, with Ayoub El Kaabi in 2018 and Soufiane Rahimi in 2020.

This CHAN 2022 should be Morocco's 5th. So far they have suffered only one first-round exit, in 2016 in Rwanda. Still unsure whether their players will be allowed to take part in the CHAN this year, Moroccan fans are no doubt praying for a positive outcome. The squabbles between Morocco and Algeria, who severed diplomatic relations in 2021, are still ongoing. That could cost the two-time defending champions their place.

Sudan and Ghana lying in wait, Madagascar the minnows

Sudan had only two appearances before this edition of CHAN 2022, in 2011 (as hosts) and in 2018. On both occasions, the Sudanese won the bronze medal. They hope to match that showing, or even go further in the 2022 edition. However, Burhan Tia's side have a tough task on their hands with Morocco, and Ghana too. The Ghanaians are returning to the competition. They had not played in the CHAN since 2014. Hungry after missing the last three editions, the home-based Black Stars hope to do at least as well as their run to the final in 2009.

Madagascar will play their first CHAN, in Algeria. Buoyed by their achievement in the COSAFA zone, Romuald Rakotondrabe's squad are seen as the minnows of the competition. Even so, beware of a surprise.

Read also: CHAN 2022 Group B: One favourite and three outsiders