Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria bow out but leave lasting mark on CHAN 2024
The semi-final line-up of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 may have a familiar look with former champions Senegal and Morocco joined by rising forces Madagascar and Sudan, but the story of the tournament’s quarter-finals lies equally in the valiant exits of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria.
All four nations departed at the last-eight stage, yet each left with reputations enhanced, fanbases energised, and a sense of growth that will outlast their elimination.
Kenya’s dream debut cut short
For debutants Kenya, reaching the quarter-finals on home soil was historic in itself.
The Harambee Stars lit up Group A, defeating two-time champions Morocco and continental powerhouse Zambia on their way to the last eight — an unprecedented achievement in their first CHAN appearance.
In a dramatic quarter-final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya took the lead through Alphonce Omija’s towering header and thought they had doubled it before VAR intervened.
Their opponents Madagascar clawed back into the game and eventually held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out.
Despite the heartbreak of a 4-3 shoot-out defeat, Kenya’s run has been hailed as the start of a new era with new players like Ogam and Manzur offering hope for the future of the Harambee Stars.
Roared on by passionate crowds, Benni McCarthy’s side showed defensive solidity, tactical maturity, and belief that East Africa can compete with the continent’s best.
Tanzania’s fairytale halted by experience
Co-hosts Tanzania also fell at the quarter-final hurdle, losing narrowly 1-0 to Morocco in Dar es Salaam.
Hemed Suleiman’s men had topped Group B and entered the knockout stages unbeaten, their defensive resilience and dynamic midfield winning admirers.
Against Morocco, they pressed with courage and created openings, but a moment of quality from Youssef Belammari and Oussama Lamlaoui separated the sides.
Despite the defeat, Tanzania’s journey marked their best-ever CHAN campaign, underlining the nation’s footballing progress and leaving fans with belief that this was only the beginning.
Uganda break new ground
Uganda, too, reached uncharted territory by qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time in their CHAN history.
In front of over 35,000 at the Mandela National Stadium, they matched holders Senegal in intensity, enjoyed more possession, and crafted the better chances.
Yet experience told. Oumar Ba’s 62nd-minute finish was enough for the champions, while goalkeeper Marc Diouf and centre-back Seyni Ndiaye repelled Uganda’s late surge.
The Cranes left with their heads held high, their campaign marked by resilience, a comeback draw against South Africa, and a growing belief in their ability to trouble Africa’s elite.
Algeria stunned on penalties
If East Africa’s progress was the story of co-host pride, Algeria’s exit was the shock of the round.
Finalists in 2022 and unbeaten in their previous 10 CHAN matches, the Desert Foxes were tipped as favourites but were undone by Sudan’s grit in Zanzibar.
After a 1-1 draw, Mohamed Abooja’s penalty heroics secured Sudan’s passage at Algeria’s expense.
It was a bitter exit for Madjid Bougherra’s side, who had arrived with ambitions of finally lifting the trophy.
But while elimination was painful, Algeria’s performances in the group phase again confirmed their depth and quality at CHAN level.
Exits that enriched the tournament
Though their journeys ended in the quarter-finals, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria gave CHAN 2024 some of its most memorable moments: debutants defying odds, hosts uniting their nations, and giants reminded that no game is guaranteed.
As the semi-finals loom, the tournament is richer for the stories they leave behind.