South Africa initially withdrew from the Chan, which the country has generally regarded as not being worthy of time, effort and expenses to reach, but were coaxed back to the competition by a back door by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

Nineteen teams had qualified for the tournament. After withdrawals by Tunisia and Libya Caf introduced a second qualifier tournament between seven 're-engaged' sides, including South Africa, to determine the final two slots.

The Chan is being hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August.

South Africa have qualified for two Chan finals tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals in Sudan in 2011 and exiting in the group stage on home soil in 2014.