The stage is now set for an exciting final phase of the TotalEnergies 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The best talents from the African national championships compete for their place in the prestigious final tournament.
The home-and-home showdowns, which begin this weekend, will highlight iconic rivalries and defining regional clashes. These duels will determine the 19 nations which will join Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, host countries of the competition in 2024.
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Among the most anticipated matches of this final phase is the clash between Ghana and its great rival, Nigeria. This “Jollof Derby” symbolizes a historic rivalry and puts immense pressure on these two nations, proud of their footballing heritage. Buoyed by a rich tradition in this competition, Ghana will seek to counter a Nigeria in search of redemption, after several recent failures in continental competitions.
In another West African clash, Guinea will face its neighbor, Guinea-Bissau. These two teams, united by cultural ties and sporting rivalries, will offer a duel that promises to be fiercely contested.
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Defending champions Senegal will begin their qualifying campaign against Liberia, while the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will face the Central African Republic (CAR). Cameroon, accustomed to major competitions, will have to establish its domination from the first leg to hope to validate its ticket for the final phase.
In the COSAFA region, Mozambique will cross swords with Zambia in a confrontation where regional pride will be at stake. At the same time, Lesotho will face Angola, with the ambition of beating the odds and reaching the final tournament.
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Other enticing encounters will see Eswatini face Madagascar, while Mauritania will face Mali in a duel that promises intensity and commitment.
The first legs of this final phase will take place between December 20 and 22, 2024, while the return matches will take place from December 25 to 29, 2024.
Exclusively reserved for players playing in the national championships, CHAN constitutes a unique showcase for young talents from the continent, offering them a valuable opportunity to shine on the international scene.
The stakes have never been higher, as Africa's best local teams strive to punch their ticket to East Africa and make history at CHAN 2024.
Final qualifying phase matches:
- Liberia – Senegal
- Mauritania – Mali
- Guinea – Guinea-Bissau
- Togo – Nigeria
- Ivory Coast – Burkina Faso
- Ghana – Nigeria
- Equatorial Guinea – Congo
- Central African Republic – Cameroon
- Tchad – RD Congo
- Burundi – Uganda
- Ethiopia – Sudan
- South Sudan – Rwanda
- Eswatini – Madagascar
- Lesotho – Angola
- Mozambique – Zambia
