The second leg of the 2024 African Nations
Championship (CHAN) qualifiers delivered dramatic moments on Saturday as
Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal and DR Congo
booked their places in the final phase of the competition.
The Central African Republic (CAR) achieved
a historic first qualification by eliminating Cameroon in a stunning
2-1 comeback in Bafoussam.
Despite Angel Yondjo Matah’s opener for Cameroon in
the 31st minute, Barry Nelson’s penalty equalised before Bertillon Arnold
Yangana sealed victory in the 87th minute.
Cameroon, semi-finalists in 2021, failed to qualify
for CHAN for the first time in seven editions.
In Bamako, Burkina Faso overturned a
two-goal deficit from the first leg against Côte d’Ivoire. Goals from
Aboubacar Traoré and Franck Kanté levelled the aggregate score, forcing
penalties.
The Stallions held their nerve, converting four
spot-kicks to the Elephants’ two, securing their spot at CHAN 2024.
DR Congo continued their dominance at home with a
3-1 victory over Chad in Kinshasa to also clinch their spot at the
tournament in February.
Oscar Kabwit gave the Leopards an early lead, with
Jonathan Mokonzi and Nyembo Ntumba sealing the win in the second half after
Chad briefly equalized through Ahmat Abdraman.
Elsewhere, Guinea confirmed their
superiority over Guinea-Bissau with a 2-1 away win, completing a 6-2
aggregate triumph.
Goals from Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura
ensured Guinea’s qualification under coach Souleymane Camara Abedy.
Meanwhile Senegal defeated Liberia 3-0 to also secured
their place thanks to goals by Oumar Ba, Baye Ciss and Madione Mbaye to
secure their ticket to the tournament.
In Uyo, Nigeria’s local Super Eagles secured a
3-1 win over Ghana’s Black Galaxies to book their place.
Quick goals from Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior, and
Saviour Isaac in the first half proved decisive, with Stephen Amankona scoring
a consolation for Ghana.
These results highlight thefierce competition as the
stage for CHAN 2024 in East Africa is set.
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