The second leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers delivered dramatic moments on Saturday as Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal and DR Congo booked their places in the final phase of the competition.

The Central African Republic (CAR) achieved a historic first qualification by eliminating Cameroon in a stunning 2-1 comeback in Bafoussam. 

Despite Angel Yondjo Matah’s opener for Cameroon in the 31st minute, Barry Nelson’s penalty equalised before Bertillon Arnold Yangana sealed victory in the 87th minute.

Cameroon, semi-finalists in 2021, failed to qualify for CHAN for the first time in seven editions.

In Bamako, Burkina Faso overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg against Côte d’Ivoire. Goals from Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté levelled the aggregate score, forcing penalties.

The Stallions held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks to the Elephants’ two, securing their spot at CHAN 2024.

DR Congo continued their dominance at home with a 3-1 victory over Chad in Kinshasa to also clinch their spot at the tournament in February.

Oscar Kabwit gave the Leopards an early lead, with Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba sealing the win in the second half after Chad briefly equalized through Ahmat Abdraman.

Elsewhere, Guinea confirmed their superiority over Guinea-Bissau with a 2-1 away win, completing a 6-2 aggregate triumph.

Goals from Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura ensured Guinea’s qualification under coach Souleymane Camara Abedy.

Meanwhile Senegal defeated Liberia 3-0 to also secured their place thanks to goals by Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss and Madione Mbaye to secure their ticket to the tournament.

In Uyo, Nigeria’s local Super Eagles secured a 3-1 win over Ghana’s Black Galaxies to book their place.

Quick goals from Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Saviour Isaac in the first half proved decisive, with Stephen Amankona scoring a consolation for Ghana.

These results highlight thefierce competition as the stage for CHAN 2024 in East Africa is set.

-CAF

Cameroon’s hopes of extending their streak of African Nations Championship (CHAN) appearances were dashed dramatically as the Central African Republic claimed a stunning 2-1 victory in Bafoussam on Saturday. 

Despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the Indomitable Lions A’ fell short on away goals, marking their first absence from the tournament in seven editions.

While the home side lament their failure, the Fauves celebrate their first-ever qualification for CHAN 2024, a historic achievement for the country.

The home side started strongly, with Angel Yondjo Matah putting Cameroon ahead in the 31st minute, latching onto a precise pass from Nchindo John Bosco.

The goal seemed to reinforce their position, but the Fauves had other ideas. Barry Nelson converted a penalty just before half-time to level the score and shift the momentum in the visitors’ favour.

As Cameroon pushed hard for the decisive goal in the second half, their dominance failed to yield results.

 Their fate was sealed in the 87th minute when Bertillon Arnold Yangana struck for the Central African Republic, sparking wild celebrations and leaving the home crowd in stunned silence.

This shocking elimination marks a bitter disappointment for Cameroon, who had reached the semi-finals in the 2021 edition.

For the first time, Nigeria on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo edged out Ghana in an African Nations Championship duel after a 3-1 win to get a 3-1 aggregate victory after the first leg ended goalless in Accra.

It was the seventh encounter of both countries in the African Nations Championship and aggregate scorelines including that of the semi-finals at the 2014 editions had been in Ghana’s favour.

For Ghana, it was a double blow on Saturday as the country had also failed in the qualification for the more prestigious Africa Cup of Nations also holding in 2025.

Sodiq Ismail shot Nigeria ahead in the 18th minute and his clubmate in Remo Stars, Nduka Junior doubled the lead three minutes later before Enugu Rangers’ Saviour Isaac put in the third goal to give Nigeria a 3-0 lead in a space seven minutes.

Ghana pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through Stephen Amankuna.

Nigeria now qualifies for the final tournament holding in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.