Since its inception in 2009, the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) has showcased thrilling soccer and unearthed native legends.
However whereas objectives come and go, hat-tricks stay uncommon and unforgettable.
Within the event’s 15-year historical past, solely three gamers have pulled off the final word striker’s feat–a hat-trick in a single CHAN match.
As CHAN 2024 kicks off this weekend throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the highlight turns as soon as once more to the query: Can somebody be a part of this elite membership?
Zambia’s Given Singuluma was the primary to etch his title into the CHAN historical past books.
Within the event’s debut version in 2009, the striker smashed three previous hosts Côte d’Ivoire in a show of uncooked energy and scientific ending.
Singuluma’s heroics did not finish there–he scored 5 objectives in complete, serving to Zambia to a third-place end and cementing himself as the highest scorer of the event.
Seven years later, in 2016, Nigeria’s Chisom Chikatara lit up the stadium in Rwanda.
The Abia Warriors ahead got here off the bench to ship a stunning second-half hat-trick in a 4-1 demolition of Niger.
Dubbed “the Kolanut Boy” for his roots in Abia State, Chikatara’s efficiency despatched Nigerian followers right into a frenzy–even although the Tremendous Eagles in the end did not progress deep into the competitors.
Then got here maybe essentially the most iconic CHAN marketing campaign yet–Ayoub El Kaabi in 2018.
The Moroccan striker’s rampage was nothing wanting legendary.
With eight objectives in 5 matches, El Kaabi did not simply rating; he redefined dominance on the event.
His hat-trick in opposition to Guinea was pure artistry–timed runs, ruthless finishes, and unstoppable motion.
El Kaabi powered Morocco to their first CHAN title, writing himself into folklore because the event’s all-time prime scorer.
“It was CHAN that gave me the largest highlight of my life. That event modified my profession endlessly,” El Kaabi later mirrored.
These hat-tricks haven’t solely thrilled followers however launched careers.
El Kaabi earned an enormous transfer to Europe. Singuluma turned a Zambian icon. Chikatara attracted curiosity throughout Africa and past.
Will 2024 convey the fourth?
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CHAN 2024 guarantees one other fascinating chapter. With prime home-based skills from 19 African nations set to conflict, eyes are on the forwards–those able to conjuring one thing extraordinary.
Senegal, the defending champions, come armed with their stable construction and objective threats.
Uganda, internet hosting a part of the event, will depend on passionate house help and star striker Yunus Sentamu.
Nigeria, nonetheless chasing their first CHAN title, have spoken boldly of their ambition. Morocco, house of essentially the most feared CHAN striker in historical past, are hungry to reclaim their crown.
However who will rise? Who will seize the second and light-weight up the event with a hat-trick that modifications all the things?
CHAN is not nearly silverware–it’s about stars being born, careers taking off, and historical past being written.
With the event returning to East Africa for the primary time, the stage is ready for a brand new title to emerge and dazzle.
Solely three gamers in historical past have accomplished it. Will CHAN 2024 ship the fourth?
