TotalEneriges CAF CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: South Africa hold Egypt as Malawi dominate Comoros

The first leg of the second qualification stage for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 concluded on Sunday, with key results shaping the road to the next round.

Malawi stunned Comoros with a decisive 2-0 away victory, while South Africa came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt.

The first fixture of the round, played on Friday, saw Gambia and Gabon share the spoils in a goalless encounter.

Malawi Take Command Against Comoros

Playing away, Malawi impressed with a clinical display, defeating Comoros 2-0.

The visitors took control in the 44th minute, when Binwell Katinji capitalized on a defensive lapse to put Malawi ahead just before halftime.

Comoros attempted to fight back in the second half, but their inability to break through a well-organized Malawian defense proved costly.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time, when Zebron Kalima sealed the victory with a second goal in the 90th minute.

With a two-goal cushion, Malawi will now look to finish the job at home in the return leg on March 8.

Meanwhile, Comoros face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.

South Africa Battle Back Against Egypt

At the Orlando Stadium, South Africa produced a spirited fightback to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw in a tightly contested match.

The Bafana Bafana squad, named by coach Molefi Ntseki, featured a strong attacking lineup, including Monnapule Saleng, Terrence Mashego, Jamie Webber, and Donay Jansen.

South Africa had their chances in the first half, with Saleng firing over from a cutback before Neo Maema forced a save from Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Kassem with a curling effort.

The Pharaohs, who adopted a defensive approach, were largely content to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.

Their strategy paid off in the 75th minute, when a long ball from Kassem led to a knockdown for Hassan Abdelaal, who volleyed home a stunning strike from outside the box to put Egypt ahead.

South Africa, however, responded in emphatic style. Jamie Webber unleashed a powerful long-range effort that rifled into the top corner, drawing the hosts level.

Despite late pressure from the home side, Egypt held firm to secure an important away result ahead of the return leg in Cairo on March 9.

Gambia and Gabon Play Out Goalless Stalemate

In the opening match of the round, Gambia and Gabon played out a 0-0 draw at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.

Gabon’s defensive solidity ensured they left with a valuable away result, giving them the advantage heading into the return leg on March 8, where they will host Gambia with the opportunity to progress.

With the first legs completed, all six teams will now turn their attention to the crucial second-leg fixtures, where places in the next phase of CHAN 2025 qualification will be decided.

First Leg Results:

• Gambia 0-0 Gabon (February 28, 2025)
• Comoros 0-2 Malawi (March 2, 2025)
• South Africa 1-1 Egypt (March 2, 2025)

Second Leg Fixtures:

• Malawi vs. Comoros – March 8, 2025 | 13:00 GMT
• Gabon vs. Gambia – March 8, 2025 | 15:00 GMT
• Egypt vs. South Africa – March 9, 2025 | 19:30 GMT

With all to play for in the return legs, the battle for qualification to CHAN 2025 remains wide open.