The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has delivered an unprecedented moment for East African football, as all three co-hosts—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—have advanced to the quarter-finals.

 It is the first time in a CAF competition that three co-host nations have simultaneously reached the knockout stage, underlining the tournament’s theme of Pamoja—the Swahili word for “together.”

Kenya, debuting at CHAN, stunned the continent by topping Group A with 10 points. A packed Kasarani Stadium roared as Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute winner against Zambia sealed a 1-0 victory and guaranteed their place above 2020 champions Morocco.

The Harambee Stars will remain in Nairobi to face Madagascar in Friday’s quarter-final, in what is already billed as a blockbuster tie.

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars were equally dominant in Group B, finishing with 10 points after winning three matches and drawing one.

Their attacking style and solid organisation won admiration, while the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium drew some of the competition’s largest crowds.

Tanzania will meet Morocco in Dar es Salaam on Friday night in another high-stakes clash.

For Uganda, the breakthrough was historic. After six failed attempts, the Cranes finally escaped the group stage, topping Group C in dramatic fashion.

In a pulsating 3-3 draw with South Africa, Jude Ssemugabi struck early, only for the visitors to score three times. But Uganda fought back, with Rogers Torach converting a stoppage-time penalty to secure the point that carried them into the quarter-finals.

They will host their last-eight tie in Kampala on Saturday night against the Group D runners-up.

This year’s CHAN is already unique as the first CAF tournament to be co-hosted by three countries. The decision to share matches across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda has been rewarded with record attendances, vibrant atmospheres and now a collective footballing triumph.

With each co-host nation set to play its quarter-final match at home, East Africa is braced for another weekend of festival-like crowds, as the dream run of the hosts continues.

Quarter-Final Fixtures

Friday, 22 August 2025

• 17:00 – Kenya v Madagascar (Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi)
• 20:00 – Tanzania v Morocco (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam)

Saturday, 23 August 2025

• 17:00 – Winners Group D v Algeria (Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar)
• 20:00 – Uganda v Runners-up Group D (Mandela National Stadium, Kampala)

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Algeria booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a tense 0-0 draw with Niger in Nairobi — a result that proved just enough to see them through alongside Uganda from Group C on Monday night.

The holders of the 2022 runners-up place came into the final group fixture knowing a single point would be sufficient, and despite struggling to break down an organised Nigerien defence, Madjid Bougherra’s men did just enough to extend their tournament.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s thrilling 3-3 draw with South Africa in the other Group C match ensured they finished top of the pool on seven points, with Algeria second on six.

South Africa also ended with six points but were edged out on goal difference.

Algeria Get the Job Done

Though goalless, the contest at Nyayo National Stadium was anything but dull. Algeria dominated early possession and carved out chances, with Soufiane Bayazid and Mehdi Merghem both testing goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja.

Niger, already eliminated before kick-off, showed spirit of their own. Ibrahim Djingarey fired over from a free kick and later saw his evening end prematurely when he was shown a second yellow card in the 77th minute.

Despite the numerical advantage, Algeria struggled for fluency.

Their clearest opportunities fell in the first half when Bayazid’s effort forced Tanja into a strong save, while Merghem headed wide from close range.

In the closing stages, it was Niger who threatened to spoil Algeria’s evening. Abdoul-Latif Goumey twice came close, including a last-gasp shot that whistled over the crossbar in stoppage time, but the stalemate held.

Group C Drama

While Algeria sweated in Nairobi, the drama unfolded simultaneously in Kampala where Uganda and South Africa produced one of the games of the tournament, a pulsating 3-3 draw.

The result meant Uganda, with seven points, topped the group, while Algeria’s superior goal difference over South Africa secured the second qualification spot.

Guinea finished fourth with four points, and Niger, goalless in the group stage, propped up the standings with two.

Niger Exit Without Scoring

For Niger, the tournament ended in disappointment. Already out before their final match, they again failed to find the back of the net, meaning they exit the 2024 edition without a single goal.

Yet there was pride in their performance. Goalkeeper Tanja was outstanding once more, while Goumey and Djingarey carried a constant threat on the counter. Coach Harouna Doula’s side ultimately lacked cutting edge but bowed out fighting.

Quarter-Finals Await

As the dust settles, Uganda and Algeria march into the quarter-finals.

Uganda do so as group winners after their swashbuckling draw with South Africa, while Algeria, though less convincing, will feel encouraged by their defensive solidity and tournament know-how.

South Africa’s spirited effort fell agonisingly short, while Guinea’s single victory was not enough to mount a challenge. For Niger, it is back to the drawing board, as they search for answers after another group-stage exit.

The knockout stage now beckons, where Algeria will need to rediscover their attacking edge if they are to repeat or better their run to the final in 2022.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will come to a quiet close on Tuesday night when the home-based Super Eagles face Congo in their final Group D fixture at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

It will be a close to a miserable outing as Nigeria lost their two opening matches, a 1-0 defeat to Senegal followed by a humbling 4-0 loss to Sudan.

With those results, Nigeria are already eliminated from the tournament. It also means that Nigeria last won a CHAN match seven years ago when they beat Sudan 1-0 in the 2018 semi-finals.

Worse still, they are yet to score a goal in 344 minutes spanning three full matches and 74 minutes of their semi-final match of 31 January 2018.

Nigeria last scored a goal in CHAN when Gabriel Okechukwu put the ball in the net in their 31 January 2018 duel with Sudan in Marrakech, Morocco.

 The tie against Congo, therefore, represents little more than an opportunity to salvage pride, restore some confidence, and give fringe players valuable international exposure.

Pride on the Line

For head coach Eric Chelle, the match is about preventing a winless campaign that would underline one of Nigeria’s poorest outings at the CHAN finals. A loss will further dent his image as it will be his third in succession.

The team has struggled to find rhythm in front of the goal and to stay compact defensively, conceding five times without scoring.

Congo Still Chasing

While Nigeria’s fate is sealed, Congo still have something to play for. The Red Devils remain in contention for a knockout place, depending on other results involving Sudan and Senegal. They are likely to approach the fixture with full intensity.

A win over Nigeria could push them into the next round, keeping their tournament hopes alive.

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