CHAN 2024: Survival Battles on the Line as Group Stage Enters Final Round
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja 2024 is heading for a dramatic climax as the group stage reaches its final round this weekend. From Nairobi to Dar es Salaam and Kampala, teams are bracing for decisive fixtures where dreams of glory will either be realized or crushed, with quarter-final tickets on the line.
With only two teams from each group guaranteed a place in the knockout stage, the coming days will be defined by fine margins, late goals, and high-pressure moments.
Groups A, B, and C each feature five teams, while Group D’s smaller four-team setup leaves even less room for error.
Group A: Kenya and Morocco Lead, but Danger Looms
Host nation Kenya currently sit at the summit of Group A with seven points, but their safety is far from secured.
The Harambee Stars face a crucial final fixture against Zambia on Sunday, where victory would guarantee qualification regardless of other results.
Hot on their heels are Morocco (six points) and DR Congo (also six), separated only by goal difference. Their head-to-head clash on the same day could serve as a winner-takes-all battle for a place in the last eight.
Angola, with four points, remain in contention but must not only win their match but also hope for favourable results elsewhere.
Group B: Tanzania Already Through, but Top Spot Still Open
Tanzania have been the standout side of the tournament so far, cruising to the quarter-finals after collecting nine points from three games. A draw against Central African Republic in their final outing will be enough to cement first place.
Mauritania (seven points) also look well placed to progress, needing only to avoid defeat against Madagascar. The island nation, however, still has hope with four points and will throw everything at the encounter.
Burkina Faso (three points) are mathematically out, while Central African Republic, rooted at the bottom without a point, can only play for pride.
Group C: Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa in a Fierce Scrap
Perhaps the most unpredictable group, Group C remains finely poised heading into the final round. Uganda lead with six points, but Algeria and South Africa lurk just behind on five each.
Guinea, on four points, are also still alive, making this group one of the tightest in CHAN history.
Uganda’s clash with South Africa could prove decisive, while Algeria must overcome Niger—already eliminated with just one point—to keep their hopes alive.
Guinea will need a victory in their last match and results elsewhere to fall in their favour if they are to squeeze through.
Group D: Sudan and Senegal Eye the Knockouts
With only four teams, Group D has provided its own drama. Sudan currently top with four points, followed closely by Senegal on three. Their direct meeting has essentially become a knockout clash, with the winner almost certain to finish first.
Congo (two points) still hold a slim chance of progressing if they can defeat Nigeria and hope Sudan and Senegal draw.
Nigeria, however, look destined for elimination, sitting bottom of the group with zero points and a -5 goal difference.
Quarter-Final Picture
By Tuesday night, the eight quarter-finalists will be confirmed. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda appear best positioned to advance, but defending champions Morocco and two-time winners DR Congo remain dangerous contenders.
Group C is the most volatile, with three or even four teams still dreaming of the last eight, while in Group D, Sudan and Senegal have everything to play for in their showdown.
As the final whistle blows across East Africa over the next four days, CHAN 2024 promises drama, heartbreak, and jubilation in equal measure—a true showcase of African football’s depth and passion.