Nigeria and nine other teams have secured their place after the second leg of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers played on Saturday, Sports247 reports.
The return leg delivered dramatic moments on Saturday as ten teams booked their places in the final phase of the competition.
The Central African Republic (CAR) achieved a historic first qualification by eliminating Cameroon in a stunning 2-1 comeback in Bafoussam.
Despite Angel Yondjo Matah’s opener for Cameroon in the 31st minute, Barry Nelson’s penalty equalized before Bertillon Arnold Yangana sealed victory in the 87th minute.
Cameroon, semi-finalists in 2021, failed to qualify for CHAN for the first time in seven editions.
In Uyo, Nigeria’s local Super Eagles secured a 3-1 win over arch rivals Ghana to book their place.
Quick goals from Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and Saviour Isaac in the first half proved decisive, with Stephen Amankona scoring a consolation for the Black Galaxies.
In Bamako, Burkina Faso overturned a two-goal deficit from the first leg against Côte d’Ivoire. Goals from Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté leveled the aggregate score, forcing penalties.
The Stallions held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks to the Elephants’ two, securing their spot at CHAN 2024.
DR Congo continued their dominance at home with a 3-1 victory over Chad in Kinshasa to also clinch their spot at the tournament in February.
Oscar Kabwit gave the Leopards an early lead, with Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba sealing the win in the second half after Chad briefly equalized through Ahmat Abdraman.
Elsewhere, Guinea confirmed their superiority over Guinea-Bissau with a 2-1 away win, completing a 6-2 aggregate triumph.
Goals from Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura ensured Guinea’s qualification under coach Souleymane Camara Abedy.
Meanwhile Senegal defeated Liberia 3-0 to also secured their place thanks to goals by Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss and Madione Mbaye to secure their ticket to the tournament.
These results highlight the fierce competition as the stage is set for CHAN 2024 in East Africa.
Qualified Countries are
Angola, Burkina Faso, Central Africa Republic, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Zambia
Five matches will be played on Sunday to complete the line up of 18 countries for the competitioin to be played in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Sunday, 29 December 2024 Second Leg Fixtures
12:00: Madagascar vs Eswatini
14:00: Congo vs Equatorial Guinea
15:00: Uganda vs Burundi
16:00: DR Congo vs Chad
16:00: Mali vs Mauritania
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