Five matches that defined TotalEnergies CHAN 2024’s group stage drama
The group stage of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will go down in history as a festival of unpredictability, last-gasp winners, and stories of national pride.
Hosted across three nations — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — the tournament showcased not just football but the spirit of African resilience and passion.
From the roars of Nairobi to the chants in Dar es Salaam and the frenzy in Kampala, the opening phase of the tournament gave fans a rollercoaster ride. .
Among dozens of games, five stood out — matches that told the tale of hope, heartbreak, and triumph, defining the group stage in unforgettable ways.
(Group A: Kenya 1-0 Morocco) - McCarthy’s Kenya announce themselves with Morocco scalp
Nairobi witnessed history when Kenya opened their campaign against giants Morocco. Guided by Benni McCarthy — a UEFA Champions League winner and South Africa’s all-time top scorer — Kenya played with heart and conviction.
Ryan Ogam’s 42nd-minute strike proved decisive. Even after Chrispine Erambo’s red card, Kenya defended as if the nation’s pride was on their shoulders. For McCarthy, it was a perfect home debut and a statement that Kenya were not just here to host, but to compete.
(Group B: Tanzania 1-0 Mauritania) - Tanzania’s late magic lights up Dar es Salaam
At the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Taifa Stars scripted their own fairy tale.
A tense clash against Mauritania seemed destined for stalemate until the 89th minute, when veteran Shomari Kapombe struck after a brilliant Iddy Nado move.
That goal didn’t just win the game — it sealed Tanzania’s place in the knockout stages and unleashed wild celebrations.
It was proof of the power of home support and a reminder that in tournaments like CHAN, one late moment can rewrite everything.
(Group C: Uganda 3-3 South Africa) - A six-goal classic in Kampala
If one game embodied the drama of CHAN 2024, it was Uganda’s 3-3 draw with South Africa.
The Cranes led through Jude Ssemugabi but were stunned by a South African blitz — three goals from Mphahlele, Kutumela, and Ndlondlo.
All looked lost until the 90th minute. Allan Okello held his nerve from the penalty spot, and in the 96th minute Rogers Torach sent Kampala into chaos with another.
The draw not only gave Uganda top spot in Group C but also delivered their first-ever progression beyond the group stage — a milestone wrapped in sheer drama.
(Group D: Sudan 4-0 Nigeria) - Sudan humiliate Nigeria in Zanzibar
Zanzibar played host to one of the shocks of the tournament as Sudan thrashed Nigeria 4-0.
A nightmare began for the Super Eagles with Leonard Ngenge’s own goal, followed by Walieldin Khidir’s penalty.
The second half was even more brutal, as Abdelrazig Omer Yagoub scored twice in quick succession.
Nigeria — once considered favorites — crashed out, while Sudan emerged as one of the surprise packages, their ruthless efficiency rewriting expectations.
(Group D: Angola 2-1 Zambia) - Angola’s comeback fuels COSAFA rivalry
The Angola-Zambia derby is always intense, but CHAN 2024 delivered another memorable chapter.
Zambia struck first, seemingly in control. Yet Angola refused to bow.
A slick Vá-Danilson combination brought the equalizer, and then Depú’s late strike flipped the script.
The 2-1 win revived Angola’s qualification hopes and reinforced the COSAFA rivalry, cementing the clash as one of the group stage’s most gripping spectacles.
A group stage to remember
From heroic underdogs to heavyweight collapses, CHAN 2024’s group stage offered everything.
These five matches weren’t just games — they were stories of identity, pride, and resilience, embodying why African football is so loved worldwide.