The stage is primed for an action-packed weekend as the second-leg matches of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers take center stage.
The “Jollof Derby” – Nigeria vs. Ghana
Highlighting the weekend’s fixtures is the highly anticipated “Jollof Derby” between arch-rivals Nigeria and Ghana, with a ticket to the CHAN finals on the line.
Following a goalless first-leg draw in Ghana, the Black Galaxies travel to Uyo, Nigeria, aiming to replicate their success in last year’s qualifiers. Coach Didi Dramani has reinforced his squad with 26 players, ready to silence the home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria, under the dual leadership of Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, is equally prepared. NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf expressed confidence ahead of the clash, promising, “We’re ready to deliver a victory as a New Year’s gift to Nigerians.”
Other Key Fixtures
In Bafoussam, Cameroon will look to build on their narrow 1-0 first-leg lead over the Central African Republic. Coach Simplice Soh’s team has shown defensive tenacity, but the visitors remain hopeful of an upset.
Niger and Togo face off in Bamako after a tightly contested 1-1 draw in Lomé. Despite defensive injuries, Togo’s coach Kader Coubadja remains optimistic, while Niger hopes to capitalize on home advantage.
Defending champions Senegal host Liberia in Diamniadio, looking to secure qualification after a 1-1 stalemate in Monrovia. Senegal has bolstered their lineup with Daouda Ba and Moussa Diallo to strengthen their chances.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso faces an uphill task against Cote d’Ivoire, trailing 2-0 from the first leg, while Guinea aims to fend off Guinea-Bissau in a regional derby.
Match Schedule (GMT)
Friday, December 27, 2024
16:00: Niger vs. Togo
Saturday, December 28, 2024
13:00: Zambia vs. Mozambique
16:00: Burkina Faso vs. Cote d’Ivoire
16:00: Cameroon vs. Central African Republic
16:00: Guinea-Bissau vs. Guinea
16:00: Nigeria vs. Ghana
16:00: Rwanda vs. South Sudan
16:30: Angola vs. Lesotho
17:00: Senegal vs. Liberia
Sunday, December 29, 2024
12:00: Madagascar vs. Eswatini
13:00: Uganda vs. Burundi
14:00: Congo vs. Equatorial Guinea
16:00: DR Congo vs. Chad
16:00: Mali vs. Mauritania
With tensions high and stakes even higher, these matches promise a dramatic conclusion to the CHAN 2024 qualifying campaign.
