Cranes poised for historic CHAN quarterfinal

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
Group C 
Friday Results
Guinea 1 Algeria 1
Niger 0 South Africa 0

Uganda Cranes’ dream of a first-ever CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) knockout stage in seven appearances received a huge boost on Friday, thanks to spirited performances by Niger and Guinea against South Africa and Algeria respectively at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The results mean Uganda will top Group C if they beat South Africa in their final group match on Monday. Even a draw against the Bafana Bafana would be enough to secure a historic quarterfinal berth.

Uganda currently tops the group with six points, while Algeria and South Africa are tied on five points each. Guinea, on four points, and Niger, with just one, are already eliminated.

On Friday, both Guinea and Niger defied the odds against the group’s heavyweights. Guinea, playing their final match, frustrated 2022 runners-up Algeria in the Namboole evening rain. Soulaymane Camara’s side defended resolutely, controlled possession, and stunned Algeria with a 62nd-minute opener through Ismael Camara.

But their joy was cut short in the 88th minute when Soufiane Bayazid grabbed a late equaliser for the North Africans.

Niger, widely considered the group’s weakest side, also produced a disciplined and fearless display against South Africa. They matched their opponents in attack and defence, and came agonisingly close to snatching victory in the second half when a late strike hit the post before being cleared.

For Uganda, who were not in action on the day, the results could not have been better. The draws ensured the Cranes’ fate remains firmly in their hands going into Monday’s decisive fixtures: Uganda versus South Africa at Namboole, and Algeria versus Niger at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

CHAN 2024 is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda