Nigeria’s Super Eagles is missing, as the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, enters the knockout stage, following the completion of the final round of group matches on Tuesday night.
Despite the win over Congo, the Super Eagles crashed out at the group stage and will play no further in the competition. Regardless, the eight countries in the quarterfinal stage have been confirmed.
For the first time ever, a CAF tournament is being jointly staged by three nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—and fittingly, all three hosts have secured places in the quarterfinals, guaranteeing that the football spectacle will keep drawing massive crowds.
Underdogs Kenya qualify from ‘Group of Death’
Kenya’s Harambee Stars have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, surpassing all expectations in their maiden CHAN appearance by clinching first place in Group A. Finishing top of the group that had former champions, Morocco and DR Congo, is no mean feat.
Ryan Ogam scored the winner against Zambia in their final group game, as Morocco defeated DR Congo to secure second spot. Benni McCarthy’s side, who ended the group stage with 10 points, conceded only once in four matches, underlining their defensive discipline.
For finishing top of the group, Kenya will face Madagascar on Friday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. On the other hand, Morocco will travel to Dar es Salaam to face Tanzania.
Tanzania blast through Group B
Like Kenya, Tanzania’s Taifa Stars also finished top, securing 10 points from Group B. They were the first side to book their spot in the last eight after claiming three consecutive wins in their first three matches. It was a group many expected them to progress from, and they managed to do that.
However, they have a tough game against two-time CHAN champions Morocco in the last eight, but they will be banking on their home support to push them through at the expense of the North Africans. Meanwhile, Madagascar, which finished as group runners-up, will face Kenya in Nairobi on Friday.
Uganda into the last eight for the first time
Uganda have broken new ground at the CHAN, advancing to the quarter-finals for the very first time after six previous group-stage exits. The dramatic 3-3 draw with South Africa in Kampala was also enough to help them take top spot in Group C and remain to play at the Mandela National Stadium.
The Cranes will face defending champions Senegal on Saturday night, while Algeria, as group C runners-up, will travel to Zanzibar to face the Falcons of Sudan.
Tight Group D Decided
In Zanzibar, Sudan and Senegal battled to a goalless stalemate, a result that confirmed progression for both sides. Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan maintained their unbeaten run to claim top spot on goal difference, leaving defending champions Senegal to advance as runners-up.
Sudan will face Algeria in Zanzibar on Saturday afternoon, while Senegal head to Kampala for their quarter-final showdown with Uganda.
Quarter-Final Fixtures (with local time)
Friday, 22 August 2025
Kenya v Madagascar – 17:00, Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi
Tanzania v Morocco – 20:00, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
Saturday, 23 August 2025
Sudan v Algeria – 17:00, Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City
Uganda v Senegal – 20:00, Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
