The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 second qualification stage wrapped up on Sunday, with key results setting up an exciting return leg.
Malawi took a crucial step towards the next round with a 2-0 away victory over Comoros, while South Africa fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Meanwhile, Gambia and Gabon played out a goalless draw in the opening match of the round.
Playing away, Malawi delivered a composed performance to secure a 2-0 victory against Comoros, giving them a strong advantage heading into the return leg.
The breakthrough came just before halftime in the 44th minute when Binwell Katinji capitalized on a defensive error to put the visitors ahead. Comoros struggled to break through Malawi’s solid defense, and any hope of a comeback was crushed in stoppage time when Zebron Kalima added a second goal in the 90th minute.
With a two-goal cushion, Malawi will look to finish the job at home on March 8, while Comoros faces an uphill task in the second leg.
At Orlando Stadium, South Africa staged a spirited fightback to earn a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a tightly contested encounter.
Coach Molefi Ntseki named a strong attacking lineup, featuring Monnapule Saleng, Terrence Mashego, Jamie Webber, and Donay Jansen. The hosts created chances in the first half, with Saleng firing over from a cutback, while Neo Maema tested Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Kassem with a curling effort.
Egypt, adopting a defensive approach, looked to hit on the counter, and their strategy paid off in the 75th minute when Hassan Abdelaal volleyed home a stunning strike from outside the box after a long ball from Kassem.
However, South Africa responded brilliantly, with Jamie Webber smashing in a powerful long-range effort into the top corner, leveling the game. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Egypt held on for an important away result ahead of the return leg in Cairo on March 9.
The first match of the round saw Gambia and Gabon battle to a 0-0 draw at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.
Gabon’s defensive discipline ensured they left with a valuable away result, setting up an interesting return leg on March 8, where they will host Gambia with a place in the next round at stake.
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:
March 8, 2025 | Malawi vs. Comoros – 13:00 GMT
March 8, 2025 | Gabon vs. Gambia – 15:00 GMT
March 9, 2025 | Egypt vs. South Africa – 19:30 GMT
With everything still to play for in the return legs, the battle for CHAN 2025 qualification remains wide open
