Niger and Sudan Secure CHAN 2024 Spots, Nine More Teams Await

Niger and Sudan are the latest teams to qualify for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), securing their places after decisive performances in their respective matches.

After a goalless second-leg draw with Togo at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali, Niger's Mena A' team secured their qualification on Friday. Having drawn 1-1 in the first leg in Lomé, Niger advanced on the away goals rule. Despite their efforts, Togo’s Sparrowhawks failed to capitalize on their chances, ensuring Niger’s fifth appearance at the CHAN finals.

On Wednesday, Sudan became the first team to qualify with a 2-1 home victory over Ethiopia, completing a 4-1 aggregate win. Sudan is now getting ready to play in the CHAN tournament in February, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Despite Ethiopia's resolute attempt to rally, the Nile Crocodiles secured a solid victory thanks to goals from Musa Kanti in the first half and Mohamed Abdelrahman in the second half.

At the same time, focus shifts to Saturday’s qualifying matches. Burkina Faso will try to overcome a 2-0 loss against Côte d’Ivoire, while Cameroon will work to protect their narrow lead against the Central African Republic. Sunday will see Mali try to recover from a 1-0 first-leg loss to Mauritania.

The CHAN 2024 tournament, running from February 1 to 28, 2025, exclusively features domestic league players, providing a vital stage for local talent to shine across Africa.