Quarter-final dreams on the line as CHAN 2024 group stage reaches climax
As the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 enters its final group stage round from Saturday, the stakes could not be higher.
From Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kampala, the co-hosted tournament is bracing for decisive fixtures from Saturday to Tuesday, where qualification dreams will either be sealed or shattered.
With only the top two teams in each group guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals, every minute, every goal, and every defensive clearance will matter.
Groups A, B, and C each contain five teams, making for tight margins, while Group D’s four-team setup leaves no room for error.
Group A: Kenya and Morocco Lead the Race
Kenya currently top Group A with seven points, but their position is all but secure.
Morocco, the defending champions, trail just one point behind with six, while DR Congo sit on six as well, separated only by goal difference.
Angola remain in the mix on four points, meaning all four nations are still alive.
Kenya face Zambia in their final match on Sunday, knowing victory will guarantee progression regardless of other results.
Morocco’s clash with DR Congo also at the same time on Sunday could prove the group’s blockbuster, effectively serving as a knockout tie for a quarter-final place.
Angola are out of contention for a place in the knockout phase. The Palancas Negras have played all their four matches and secured just their four points leaving them in fourth place in the group.
Group B: Tanzania Eye Top Spot, Mauritania in the Mix
Tanzania have been the standout side in Group B, sitting top with a perfect nine points from three games securing their place in the quater final.
A draw in their final outing against Central African Republic will be enough to secure first place in the group.
Mauritania (seven points) are also well positioned, needing only to avoid defeat to advance.
Their fate lies in their own hands against a Madagascar side (four points) desperate for a win to stay alive. Burkina Faso, stuck on three points, must win just for pride as they are already out of contention for the quarter finals.
Central African Republic, with no points, are mathematically out, but they could still spoil Tanzania’s momentum.
Group C: Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa in a Three-Way Fight
Group C is delicately balanced. Uganda lead with six points, but Algeria and South Africa lurk just one point behind, each on five.
Guinea (four points) are still mathematically alive, while Niger, with a single point, are already out.
Uganda face South Africa in what could be a decisive tie, while Algeria lock horns with Niger, knowing victory could send them through. \
For Guinea, only a win coupled with results elsewhere going in their favour will be enough.
The margins are so fine here that one misstep could see favourites fall early.
Group D: Sudan and Senegal Hold the Advantage
Unlike the other groups, Group D contains just four teams, but the drama remains intense.
Sudan lead with four points after two games, narrowly ahead of Senegal on three. Congo (two points) and Nigeria (zero) complete the table.
Sudan’s final clash with Senegal has become a de facto shootout for top spot, with the winner almost certain to advance as group leaders.
Congo still have hope if they beat Nigeria and the other match ends in a draw.
For Nigeria, however, their tournament has unravelled; with no points and a -5 goal difference, their elimination is confirmed.
Quarter-Final Picture: Who Will Advance?
By Tuesday evening, the eight surviving teams will be confirmed. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda look best placed to reach the knockouts, but defending champions Morocco and former winners DR Congo cannot be counted out.
Group C is the most volatile, with Algeria and South Africa’s fates tied to one another, while in Group D, Sudan and Senegal are primed to extend their campaigns.
With such slim margins and high drama, the CHAN 2024 group finale promises a thrilling four days of football across East Africa.