The battle for the final two spots in Uganda’s CHAN 2025 Group C has reached its decisive stage, with the last round of qualifiers set for May.
South Africa, Gambia, and Malawi progressed to the next qualification round to join Algeria after securing crucial victories in the first round. The four countries now face one final hurdle to join Uganda, Niger, and Guinea in the highly competitive group.
With the tournament set to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2 to 30, the upcoming qualification matches will determine the full lineup for Group C, adding to the anticipation ahead of the continental showdown.
South Africa delivered a commanding performance against Egypt, clinching a 3-1 victory in Cairo on Sunday night. This win secured a 4-2 aggregate triumph, propelling the Bafana Bafana into the subsequent qualification phase.
The match commenced with South Africa asserting dominance. In the 15th minute, Neo Maema opened the scoring, followed by Yandisa Mfolozi’s goal in the 26th minute, establishing a 2-0 lead.
Although Egypt managed to reduce the deficit before halftime, their resurgence was short-lived. Five minutes into the second half, Luthuli converted a penalty, reinstating South Africa’s two-goal advantage. The visitors maintained control for the remainder of the match, limiting Egypt’s offensive opportunities.
In Libreville, Gambia edged out Gabon in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw on Saturday.
Despite Gabon’s dominance and multiple scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty by Samson Mbingui in the 78th minute, they couldn’t capitalize. The match proceeded to penalties, where Gambia displayed composure, converting all their attempts.
Gabon faltered when Nasta Oyono missed his shot, resulting in their elimination and Gambia’s progression to the next round.
Meanwhile, Malawi confirmed their advancement with a 2-0 home win against Comoros, culminating in a 4-0 aggregate score.
Wongani Lungu initiated the scoring in the 50th minute, and Binwell Katinji solidified the victory with a goal at the hour mark. This decisive performance ensured Malawi’s place in the forthcoming qualification stage.
The final round of qualifiers is slated for May, with first-leg matches scheduled between May 2-4 and return fixtures between May 10-11.
The successful teams from these encounters will earn their spots in the CHAN 2025 finals, set to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August.
First Leg Results:
- Gambia 0-0 Gabon (February 28, 2025)
- Comoros 0-2 Malawi (March 2, 2025)
- South Africa 1-1 Egypt (March 2, 2025)
Second Leg Results:
- Malawi 2-0 Comoros – March 8, 2025 (Malawi wins 4-0 on aggregate)
- Gabon 0-0 Gambia – March 8, 2025 (Gambia advances on penalties)
- Egypt 1-3 South Africa – March 9, 2025 (South Africa wins 4-2 on aggregate)
Final Round Matchups
- Malawi Vs South Africa
- Gambia Vs Algeria
