The second leg of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers delivered thrilling action on Saturday, with Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and DR Congo earning their places in the final phase of the competition.
The Central African Republic (CAR) made history by qualifying for CHAN for the first time, stunning Cameroon with a 2-1 comeback victory in Bafoussam. Angel Yondjo Matah had given Cameroon the lead in the 31st minute, but Barry Nelson’s penalty leveled the score before Bertillon Arnold Yangana sealed the win in the 87th minute. The result marked a significant milestone for CAR and a shock for Cameroon, who missed CHAN qualification for the first time in seven editions.
In Uyo, Nigeria’s local Super Eagles delivered a dominant 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana. Early strikes from Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Saviour Isaac in the first half secured the win, with Stephen Amankona’s goal serving as a consolation for the Black Galaxies.
Burkina Faso overturned a two-goal deficit from their first-leg clash against Côte d’Ivoire in Bamako. Goals from Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté brought the aggregate score level, leading to a penalty shootout. The Stallions kept their composure, converting four penalties to Côte d’Ivoire’s two to advance.
DR Congo continued their impressive form in Kinshasa with a 3-1 win over Chad. Oscar Kabwit opened the scoring for the Leopards, and second-half goals from Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba sealed the victory after Ahmat Abdraman’s equalizer for Chad.
Guinea confirmed their superiority over Guinea-Bissau with a 2-1 away win, completing a commanding 6-2 aggregate victory. Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura were on target for coach Souleymane Camara Abedy’s side.
Meanwhile, Senegal booked their place with a comfortable 3-0 win over Liberia. Goals from Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss, and Madione Mbaye ensured their qualification in style.
These results underline the intense competition as CHAN 2024 approaches. The tournament, set to take place in East Africa across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will feature 18 teams. The final lineup will be confirmed after Sunday’s matches, which will determine the remaining qualifiers.
