Uganda’s Group C at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been finalised following the qualification of Algeria and South Africa over the weekend.
The two nations join hosts Uganda, Guinea, and Niger in what promises to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament, scheduled for August in East Africa.
Algeria confirmed their place with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Gambia in Annaba on Friday, completing a 3-0 aggregate win after a goalless first leg in Bakau.
After a tight first half, Abderrahmane Meziane opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the second period.
Forward Adil Boulbina then took over, scoring twice in the final stages, first with a clever lob in the 76th minute and then a clinical finish in stoppage time, both goals assisted by Bouras Akram.
South Africa sealed their qualification with a dramatic comeback win over Malawi in Pretoria on Sunday.
Bafana Bafana overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a 2-0 victory at home, advancing 2-1 on aggregate.
Victor Letsoalo brought the tie level early with a powerful volley before captain Neo Maema netted the decisive goal in the 87th minute. The win marks South Africa’s first return to the CHAN finals since 2014.
Group C will be staged in Uganda, one of the three co-hosts of CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
The group now comprises Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. Matches will be played in August as part of the first-ever tri-nation hosting of the tournament, which features national teams composed exclusively of domestic-based players.
