CHAN2024: CECAFA quartet march into last eight as quarters parings are finalised

The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has moved into the quarter-final stage after a gripping final round of group matches on Tuesday night.

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For the first time in CAF’s history, a continental tournament is being co-hosted by three countries, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—and all of them have advanced to the last eight as group winners, ensuring the East African carnival of football rolls on in front of passionate supporters.

The three host nations are joined by another CECAFA nation, Sudan, in the quarters, ensuring that half of the nations in the quarters are from the host region.

Kenya dominate on debut

Debutantes Kenya have been one of the revelations of the tournament, storming to the top of Group A with 10 points. Kenya beat DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia and drew with Angola.

A late strike from Ryan Ogam secured a 1-0 win over Zambia on Sunday, sealing their unbeaten run and cementing Benni McCarthy’s side as serious contenders.

Remarkably, the Harambee Stars have conceded just once in four games, their defensive steel providing the backbone of their campaign.

Kenya will remain in Nairobi to face Madagascar on Friday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in a tie that could see them continue their fairytale run.

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Tanzania shine in Group B

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars also dominated their group, collecting 10 points with three victories and a draw. Their attacking prowess and consistency lit up the pool, with their only stumble coming in a match that had no bearing on qualification.

They now face two-time winners Morocco in Dar es Salaam on Friday evening, a clash widely tipped to be one of the most intriguing encounters of the quarter-finals.

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Uganda break the curse

Uganda have finally shattered their CHAN hoodoo. After six unsuccessful attempts at progressing beyond the group stage, the Cranes punched their ticket to the quarters for the first time.

A 3-3 draw against South Africa, capped by Rogers Torach’s dramatic stoppage-time penalty, sparked wild celebrations at a packed Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

With seven points, they topped Group C and now prepare for a heavyweight clash with defending champions Senegal on Saturday night.

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Zanzibar drama decides Group D

Over in Zanzibar, Sudan and Senegal played out to a tense goalless draw, a result that sent both sides into the knockout rounds. Sudan, rejuvenated under coach Kwesi Appiah, claimed first place on goal difference, while Senegal settled for second.

The Falcons of Jediane will now meet Algeria on Saturday afternoon in Zanzibar City, while Senegal travel to Kampala for their showdown with Uganda.

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Quarter-final pairing

Friday, 22 August 2025

Kenya vs Madagascar – Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi (5 PM)

Tanzania vs Morocco – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam (5 PM)

Saturday, 23 August 2025

Sudan vs Algeria – Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar City (5 PM)

Uganda vs Senegal – Mandela National Stadium, Kampala (8 PM)

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