CHAN 2024 Quarter-finals: The stars who could define the knockout stage
The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has reached its make-or-break moment. Eight nations remain, each carrying the hopes of millions into the quarter-finals.
Co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will play Madagascar, Morocco and Senegal respectively while Sudan take on Algeria in the last eight matches that will be played on Friday and Saturday.
The atmosphere is charged, the stakes monumental, and the difference between triumph and heartbreak may come down to a single player.
From goalkeepers with golden gloves to strikers with ice in their veins, the stage is set for heroes to rise.
Expect thunderous shots, last-ditch tackles, and game-changing assists as Africa’s finest lock horns.
Here are the players most likely to shape their nations’ destiny in this electrifying phase of the tournament.
Ryan Ogam – Kenya’s marksman with perfect timing
Debutants Kenya have surprised many, but their run has been fuelled by the lethal finishing of Ryan Ogam.
The forward has scored decisive goals in 1-0 victories over Morocco and Zambia, both times using his trademark shot-on-the-turn.
Always lurking in half-spaces, Ogam is the kind of player who punishes defenders the moment they switch off.
His chemistry with Odhiambo has added an extra edge to Kenya’s attack, and against Madagascar, his instinct in front of goal could be the difference.
Ramandimbisoa Lalain’Arinjaka Michel “Lalaina” – Madagascar’s wall of steel
At 39, goalkeeper Lalaina has been Madagascar’s saviour. With two clean sheets against the Central African Republic and Mauritania, plus a Man of the Match nod in both, he has made 15 crucial saves that have kept the Barea alive.
While Dax and Rafanomezantsoa bring the flair, it is Lalaina’s shot-stopping that gives Madagascar hope against a free-scoring Kenyan side.
For Madagascar to dream of a semi-final, their veteran between the posts must once again defy the odds.
Clement Francis Mzize – Tanzania’s new jewel
Tanzania’s rise at CHAN has been mirrored by the emergence of Clement Mzize, a 21-year-old forward with goals, guile, and grit.
His brace against Madagascar lit up Dar es Salaam, and his hold-up play brings teammates like Salum, Nado, and Suleiman into the action.
The Taifa Stars already have quality across the pitch, but Mzize’s instinct for space and fearless finishing make him the X-factor.
Against Morocco, his blend of youth and composure will test even the most seasoned defenders.
Oussama Lamlioui – Morocco’s sharpest weapon
It took coach Tarik Sektioui two games to unleash him, but since then, Oussama Lamlioui has been unstoppable.
The forward struck three times in two matches, including a vital brace against Congo that sealed Morocco’s quarter-final place.
Fast, clinical, and always playing on the defenders’ shoulders, he thrives on through-balls from Sabir Bougrine and Imad Riahi.
If Morocco are to chase a third CHAN crown, Lamlioui could well be the man leading the charge.
Allan Okello – Uganda’s creative spark
Uganda’s talisman Allan Okello has lit up CHAN with three goals and an assist, helping the Cranes top Group C.
After a shaky start in a heavy loss to Algeria, he responded in style, scoring in matches against Guinea, Niger, and South Africa.
Okello’s blend of pace, trickery, and vision makes him a nightmare for defenders, while his link-up with Reagan Mpande and Ssemugabi adds layers to Uganda’s attack.
Against Senegal’s well-drilled backline, Okello will be the key to unlocking opportunities.
Layousse Samb – Senegal’s left-sided powerhouse
Defending champions Senegal have been anchored by their defensive solidity, conceding just one goal.
At the heart of this balance is Layousse Samb, a left-back who combines steel at the back with bursts forward that change games.
His surging run salvaged a point against Congo, and his partnership with Libasse Guèye remains one of Senegal’s most dangerous attacking outlets.
Facing Uganda, who have conceded six goals but scored eight, Samb’s role will be critical at both ends of the pitch.
Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer – Sudan’s midfield general
Sudan’s steady rise owes much to the influence of Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub Omer.
The 32-year-old was at his brilliant best against Nigeria, scoring twice to cement Sudan’s path into the quarters.
His ability to defend tirelessly while driving attacks makes him indispensable to Kwesi Appiah’s system.
Alongside captain Walieldin Khedr and Salah Abdel, Omer forms a midfield trio that could overwhelm Algeria in Zanzibar.
Abderrahmane Meziane – Algeria’s creative engine
With top striker Aymen Mahious yet to fire, Abderrahmane Meziane has carried Algeria’s frontline.
He scored and assisted in the opening 3-0 win over Uganda and added another crucial assist against Guinea.
His chemistry with Sofiane Bayazid, who has scored twice from the bench, has given Algeria a potent new dimension.
If Bougherra pairs them from the start, Sudan’s defense will be in for a stern examination.
The winners of the quarter finals will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for 26 and 27 August, with the eagerly awaited Final set for Saturday, 30 August 2025.
Quarter-Final Fixtures
Friday, 22 August 2025
17:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar – Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Nairobi
20:00 – Tanzania vs Morocco – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Saturday, 23 August 2025
17:00 – Uganda vs Senegal – Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
20:00 – Sudan vs Algeria – Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City