Category: African News

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Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defending Champions Senegal beat Nigeria in Group D Opener

Beginning their title defence in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defending champions Senegal narrowly defeated Nigeria 1-0 at Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.

After a fast counterattack in the 75th minute, Christian Gomis scored the winning goal and delighted the Senegalese supporters.

Though Nigeria pushed hard, with Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu getting early yellow cards, the game showed a tense first half with few chances.

Marc Diouf, the goalie for Senegal, made critical saves while both sides battled to capitalise on chances.

Nigeria pressed for an equaliser in the second half, but Senegal’s defence, spearheaded by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm despite Nigeria’s late attacks, including a near miss from Vincent Temitope.

Coach Souleymane Diallo of Senegal claimed his players felt no pressure in defending their title, a sentiment reflected in their excellent showing.

Senegal leads Group D with this victory; Nigeria hopes to rebound in their next games.

Algeria ease past co-hosts Uganda in Group C opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria ease past co-hosts Uganda in Group C opener

Beginning their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a resounding 3-0 triumph over co-hosts Uganda at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Algeria, who showed their great tournament pedigree, won thanks to goals from Ayoub Ghezala, Abderrahmane Meziane, and Soufiane Bayazid.

This triumph extended Algeria’s unbeaten run in the group stage to seven games and marked their third consecutive victory against Uganda.

Although Uganda tried to create an offence—including Karim Watambala’s shots and a header from Gavin Kizito—they struggled to capitalise on chances. Under Adem Alilet and Ilyés Chétti’s strong defence, Algeria stood strong all through the game.

The results emphasised Algeria’s outstanding performance in the tournament, now with ten clean sheets in thirteen games.

Uganda has issues with matches against Niger and South Africa ahead as the tournament goes on; meanwhile, Algeria hopes to keep up their success against Niger.

Guinea fend off Niger to begin CHAN 2024 with a win
by Football Sierra Leone

Guinea fend off Niger to begin CHAN 2024 with a win

At the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Guinea opened their 2024 CHAN campaign with a 1-0 victory over Niger.

Just two minutes after halftime, Mohamed Bangoura II’s second-half goal following a VAR review was his only one.

Both sides played with a physical approach and carefulness, which resulted in a chaotic first half with little obvious chances. Although Niger tried to equalize, including a near miss from replacement AbdoulLatif Goumey, Guinea’s defense held firm.

This victory puts Guinea in a good position inside Group C, while Niger struggles in their tournament after a dismal beginning.

Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa are among the group’s hosts as well.It was a frustrating beginning for Niger’s fifth CHAN participation, particularly after a promising fourth-place performance in 2022.

Coach Harouna Doula are now fighting an uphill struggle to preserve their hopes for a quarterfinal. On the other hand, Guinea would seek to gather steam in pursuit of another strong tournament showing.

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco hit CHAN 2024 ground running with win over Angola

Morocco began their search for a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dominant 20-win over Angola in their first Group A match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

Morocco deservedly triumphed as Imad Riahi scored a beautiful longrange goal in the first half and Angola’s Kinito scored an own goal in the second half.

Once again, Morocco’s talent was on display in this competition, which included only players from local leagues.In 2018 and 2020, they have captured the CHAN twice already.Morocco hoped to build on their 13-match undefeated streak in this tournament by starting a new team and expecting much.

From the beginning, Coach Tarik Sektioui’s team immediately took charge and established the tempo.

Morocco scored in the 29th minute after a few opportunities and corners. Mohamed Hrimat gave Riahi a perfect pass, who fired a strong right-foot shot from outside the box, defeating Angolan goalie Neblú.

Before halftime, the Atlas Lions pressed for a second goal, with Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni testing Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblú.Looking for their first CHAN opening match victory, Angola developed opportunities via Jó Paciência and Aguinaldo Matias, but Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar was resolute.

Morocco kept control in the second half and scored again in the 81st minute when backup Youness El Kaabi’s shot bounced off Kinito into the goal.Led by captain Hrimat, Morocco’s defense held strong even as Angola tried to respond with a long shot from Mafuta.

As they get ready to meet cohosts Kenya, Morocco remains undefeated in CHAN group stages; Angola is still looking for their first win and will regroup before going against Zambia.

Kenya beat two-time champions DR Congo in CHAN opener
by Football Sierra Leone

Kenya beat two-time champions DR Congo in CHAN opener

On Sunday at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya marked their long-awaited premiere at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a remarkable 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo.

In a close opening Group A match, Austin Odhiambo’s first-half goal turned out to be the deciding element.Though their initial nervousness, the hosts confidently declared their presence on the continental stage before a packed audience of 60,000 supporters.

Giving a stage for budding local talent to shine—and Kenya’s fresh generation did not disappoint—the TotalEnergies CHAN is a biennial competition only for participants in their own country’s domestic leagues.

The game began with a disallowed goal for DR Congo due to offside in the fifth minute. Kenya took control, and just before halftime, Odhiambo scored from a pass by David Sakwa, giving Kenya a 1-0 lead in their CHAN final debut.

In the second half, DR Congo pressed for an equalizer, but Kenya’s defense, led by goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, held strong, with critical saves and effective clearances. Coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes to secure the lead in the final minutes.

Despite seven minutes of stoppage time causing anxiety, Kenya clinched their historic first CHAN win. This victory marked them as the third debuting country to win their first game in the competition. DR Congo extended their winless streak to five games and will face Morocco next, while Kenya prepares to play Angola on Thursday.