The qualifiers for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) got underway this past weekend; the start of a not-so-long road to the finals in Kenya from January 11-February 2 next year.

The competition, open only to players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues, is scheduled in the years between the African Nations Cup and, despite the matches having restriction on selection, are considered full FIFA internationals, giving it a hint of gravitas.

First played in 2009, when only 36 of...