The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has reached the decisive point of its group stage, with nine teams already eliminated as the knockout phase takes shape. The tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been a thrilling showcase of local-based talent, but for some nations, the dream has ended early.
Group A: The Group of Death
Nairobi hosted one of the toughest groups in the competition, where Kenya and Morocco advanced at the expense of traditional heavyweights. Hosts Kenya defied expectations to top the group with 10 points, while two-time champions Morocco followed closely with nine.
That left Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia packing their bags. Zambia endured a nightmare campaign, losing all four matches and finishing with zero points. DR Congo, despite collecting six points, missed out due to the competitiveness of the group. Angola managed a draw with Kenya but failed to turn up in decisive matches.
Group B: Harsh Lessons in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania and Madagascar booked their places in the knockout stage, leaving Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic behind.
Burkina Faso struggled for consistency, securing just three points. The Central African Republic, making their debut, showed glimpses of promise but were ultimately outclassed, collecting only one point. The harshest elimination came for Mauritania, who finished level on seven points with Madagascar but lost out on goal difference.
Group C: Still in the Balance
Group C remains partially open, though Guinea and Niger are already eliminated. Guinea’s campaign ended with two defeats despite a winning start against Niger. Niger, meanwhile, lost both opening matches and even a victory in their final game against Algeria would not be enough to salvage their campaign.
Uganda, South Africa, and Algeria will now battle it out for the two available spots, with Niger playing the role of spoiler.
Group D: Nigeria Crash Out
The biggest shock of CHAN 2024 so far has been Nigeria’s early exit. The Super Eagles B team, a perennial powerhouse, crumbled with defeats to Senegal and Sudan, conceding five goals in two matches without reply. With zero points, their elimination was confirmed before the final group game.
As the knockout phase looms, the exits of giants like Nigeria, DR Congo, and Zambia have reshaped the competition, making way for emerging forces such as Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania to make their mark.
