Three host nations – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda all bowed out of the CHAN 2024 tournament after they were knocked out by Madagascar, Morocco, and Senegal, respectively in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The three countries had finished in the group stages emphatically as group winners in each of their groups.
The three countries were unlucky as they faced off against three countries that have had big achievements in this tournament over the years. Morocco are the two-time champions, Madagascar were bronze medalists in the last edition, while Senegal are the current holders of the tournament.
Despite the exits, many East Africans have been excited about their countries’ exploits in this tournament as they see the quarterfinal as historic in the region’s football experience.
Kenya head coach, Benni McCarthy, said he was “proud” of what his team had achieved, and it was only the “beginning.” Tanzania and Uganda will see this as a huge experience and preparation ahead of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations coming up in December. The two countries are in the same group – Group C same as Nigeria and Tunisia.
While our hosts have been knocked out, Sudan, Morocco, Madagascar, and Senegal will continue to give some tantalizing CHAN 2024 football.
CHAN 2024: Senegal v Morocco
The two countries are proud winners of the Africa Nations Championship. Morocco are two-time winners, while Senegal are currently holders. This will be an interesting tie as these two teams will be looking to add one more star to their badge at the end of the tournament.
Morocco will be led by their star man in this tournament, Oussama Lamlioui, who has netted 4 goals in 4 matches. Lamlioui is the highest goal scorer of the tournament with his 4 goals, while Morocco are the highest goal scoring team with 9 goals. The North Africans’ techniques and tactics will be tested by the West Africans on the night.
Senegal are the least scoring team in the semifinals. They have scored only three times in this tournament. However, they are the team with the best defense among the four semi-finalists. They will hope to use their compactness and organization to disrupt the flow of the Moroccans.
While the West Africans are not at their best, they will hope to see this out just like they did in Uganda.
The game will go down at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Kampala (Uganda).
CHAN 2024: Sudan v Madagascar
Sudan has been inspiring in this tournament. They have rallied past all their opponent and even emphatically dispatched Nigeria 4-0 in the group stages. The Falcons are looking to make history despite not playing football in their own country for over a year due to war.
Led by a Ghanaian, Kwesi Appiah, the Central Africans look very tactical and organized in the way they play football. Energetic, fast, and clinical, the Sudanese are ready to soar against the islanders.
Madagascar is hoping to make one more history in the Africa Nations Championship. In their debut in 2022, they finished third, which means they understand the antics of playing in a semifinal. They will be looking to take one step ahead of their debut finish with their goalkeeper, Toldo, inspiring them on with his heroics between the sticks.
The Benjamin Mkapa will be hosting this fierce battle in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Both Matches will hold on Tuesday at 3.30 and 6.30 pm respectively.
