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Tag: CHAN

  • JUST IN: Morocco clinch historic third CHAN title

    JUST IN: Morocco clinch historic third CHAN title

    The Atlas Lions of Morocco have etched their name deeper into African football history, securing their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, on Saturday.

    Madagascar struck first and early after Felicite Mantasoa unleashed a well-struck half-volley in the 9th minute to stun Morocco. However, Moroccan composure soon prevailed.

    Youssef Mehri levelled with a clinical header from Khalid Baba’s cross in the 27th minute. Just before halftime, Oussama Lamlioui put the Atlas Lions ahead with his first of two late-half strikes.

    Madagascar’s coach, Romuald Rakotondraibe, made strategic substitutions at the restart that paid off in the 68th minute as Toky Rakotondraibe equalised to keep Madagascar’s title dream alive.

    But in a moment of pure brilliance, Lamlioui unleashed a long-range strike with just over 10 minutes remaining, sealing the 3-2 victory and Morocco’s third CHAN title.

    Lamlioui’s stellar performance earned him the Puma Top Scorer (Golden Boot) award, with a tournament tally of six goals, including the final brace.

    Morocco now stands alone as the only nation to win three CHAN titles, following earlier victories in 2018 and 2020.

  • Senegal beat Sudan on penalties to claim CHAN 2024 bronze

    Senegal beat Sudan on penalties to claim CHAN 2024 bronze

    Senegal secured third place at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Friday in Kampala.

    The bronze medal match at Mandela National Stadium saw the defending champions bounce back after their semi-final penalty loss to Morocco.

    Victory gives Senegal back-to-back podium finishes at CHAN, while Sudan’s wait for a third tournament medal continues.

    Sudan started brightly and were rewarded in the 6th minute, when Mohamed Tia Asad headed home from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner.

    They held the lead into halftime, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja making crucial saves to keep Senegal at bay.

    Senegal returned stronger in the second half, pressing higher and creating more opportunities in search of an equaliser.

    Seyni Ndiaye levelled in the 58th minute with a well-placed header, following a pinpoint cross from Ousseynou Seck on the flank.

    Senegal dominated possession after the equaliser, but Sudan remained threatening on the counter, with Abooja pulling off more vital saves.

    With no extra time in the third-place match, the game went straight to penalties at the end of regulation.

    Sudan missed two spot-kicks, Walieldin Khdir fired wide, and Musab Makeen was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

    Senegal converted all four of their penalties through Layousse, Kane, Cissé, and Guèye to seal a 4-2 shootout win.

    The result was bittersweet for Souleymane Diallo’s side, who entered the tournament aiming to defend their CHAN title.

    Still, they extended their unbeaten record in open play to 10 CHAN matches, highlighting the squad’s consistency and depth.

    Coach Diallo lauded his players for showing maturity and character after their semi-final disappointment against Morocco.

    For Sudan, led by Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was painful, but their performance won admiration across the continent.

    In spite of limited preparation and ongoing conflict at home, Sudan reached the semi-finals, eliminating Nigeria and pushing Madagascar to the limit.

    Appiah hailed his squad’s commitment, saying Sudanese football had shown remarkable resilience on the CHAN stage.

    All eyes now turn to Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where Morocco will face Madagascar for the CHAN 2024 crown.

  • Madagascar edge Sudan in extra-time to reach first-ever CHAN final

    Madagascar edge Sudan in extra-time to reach first-ever CHAN final

    Madagascar reached their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging Sudan 1-0 in extra-time at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

    A 116th-minute strike by substitute Toky Rakotondraibe sealed victory in a tense encounter, sending Madagascar to Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face either Senegal or Morocco.

    Both sides were aiming for a first CHAN final. Madagascar, 2022 bronze medallists, faced a Sudanese team featuring in their third semi-final after previous exits in 2011 and 2018.

    The first half was evenly contested. Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli threatened, but Madagascar’s goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa made key saves to keep the scores level.

    Madagascar also had chances through Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro, but they could not convert. The half ended goalless, with both sides showing caution and discipline.

    After the restart, Sudan dominated. Walieldin Khdir missed a clear header in the 53rd minute, while Mubark Abdalla’s late effort was blocked by a resolute Malagasy defence.

    Madagascar’s best chance in normal time came late, as Bono Rabearivelo fired narrowly wide. Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja made crucial saves to force extra-time.

    The extra 30 minutes saw renewed energy. Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien tested Ramandimbisoa, before Madagascar responded with long-range efforts that Abooja kept out.

    The breakthrough finally arrived in the 116th minute. Rafanomezantsoa broke forward and slipped a pass to Rakotondraibe, who calmly finished past Abooja to make it 1-0.

    The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Madagascar bench and fans. Sudan pushed for an equaliser, but efforts by Makeen and Hussien fell short in the dying minutes.

    The Falcons of Jediane’s wait for a CHAN final continues. For Madagascar, the win confirms their status as a rising power in African football.

    Having secured bronze on their debut in 2022, Madagascar now have a chance to become the first island nation to win a CAF senior tournament.

    Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised his players’ belief and teamwork, saying the team’s unity was key to their historic achievement in Dar es Salaam.

    “Our strength lies in unity. The players believed until the end. This victory is for them, and for Madagascar,” Rakotondrabe told reporters after the match.

    For Sudan, it was another semi-final heartbreak. Coach Kwesi Appiah said his team gave everything, despite falling short of delivering the joy they hoped to bring home.

    Madagascar now head to the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi for Saturday’s final. They will face either Morocco or defending champions Senegal.

    Sudan will contest the third-place match on Friday in Dar es Salaam. Regardless of results, CHAN PAMOJA 2024 has produced compelling moments and new heroes.

  • Morocco beat title holders Senegal to reach CHAN final

    Morocco beat title holders Senegal to reach CHAN final

    Morocco on Tuesday advanced to the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Senegal 5-3 on penalties in an encounter that ended 1-1 at extra-time.

    The semi-final match played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, saw Morocco book a final clash with Madagascar, who earlier beat Sudan in Dar es Salaam.

    Senegal took the lead in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse headed in from a Libasse Guèye corner, capping a dominant start by the defending champions.

    Morocco equalised seven minutes later when Sabir Bougrine fired home a powerful right-footed strike from distance, bringing the score to 1-1 and shifting momentum in the Atlas Lions’ favour.

    Layousse missed a second header, while Morocco’s Anas Bach was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf, as the game remained level.

    The second half was tightly contested, as Morocco controlled possession, but Senegal remained dangerous on set pieces, threatening with their aerial strength and pace.

    Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar made crucial saves for Morocco, while Diouf produced fine stops to deny Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui as tension built.

    Both teams made substitutions to inject energy, as Morocco brought on Ayoub Khairi and Salaheddine Errahouli, while Senegal introduced Insa Boye and Ababacar Sarr.

    Morocco’s Lamlaoui had a header saved in the 119th minute, moments after Senegal’s Bonaventure Fonseca fired narrowly over from close range.

    With no goals in extra-time, the match was decided on penalties.

    Morocco scored all five kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri.

    Senegal’s captain Seyni Ndiaye missed their opening spot-kick, hitting the crossbar, though Cissé, Ciss, and Ba converted.

    The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3 in the shootout, earning a third CHAN final appearance in six years and ending Senegal’s hopes of back-to-back titles.

    The match had been billed as a contest between Morocco’s experience and Senegal’s youthful energy, and it delivered drama and quality throughout.

    Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s composure, saying they remained focused under pressure and deserved their place in the final.

    “It was a tough match. The players showed composure.

    “We’ve fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win again,” Sektioui said.

    Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo expressed pride in his young squad, noting that in spite of the disappointment, their performance showed great promise for the future.

    “This is a young team. They played with courage. Penalties are cruel, but our future is bright,” Diallo said.

    Morocco will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi, with continental glory on the line.

    Senegal will contest the third-place playoff against Sudan on Friday in Dar es Salaam, seeking to end their campaign on a high.

    For Morocco, a third CHAN title beckons.

    Senegal’s dream might have ended but the emergence of new generation of players offers reasons for optimism.

  • CHAN: Nigeria earn first victory in 2-0 win over Congo

    CHAN: Nigeria earn first victory in 2-0 win over Congo

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Team B, produced a spirited performance on Tuesday evening, defeating Congo 2-0 in their final Group D match of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The encounter took place at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with kick-off at exactly 6:00 p.m. local time.

    Both nations had already been eliminated following earlier poor results, but the match provided an opportunity for pride, ranking, and a chance to end the tournament with dignity.

    From the outset, the clash was fiercely contested, with both sides creating scoring chances. However, defensive solidity ensured that the first half ended goalless.

    Nigeria eventually found the breakthrough when Anas Yusuf struck in the 57th minute, registering the Super Eagles’ first goal of the championship.

    The goal energised the Nigerian team, who pressed forward with renewed confidence, forcing Congo into defensive errors and desperate clearances.

    As Congo chased an equaliser, Nigeria capitalised on counterattacks. Substitute Alimi Yusuf doubled the advantage in the 93rd minute, sealing a deserved 2-0 victory.

    The late goal effectively ended Congo’s hopes of a comeback, leaving the Congolese side in deep disappointment as they finished bottom of the group with two points.

    For Nigeria, the victory brought consolation. In spite of being eliminated due to earlier losses, the win lifted them to third place in Group D, above Congo.

    The Super Eagles B had endured a difficult campaign, losing their opener 0-1 to Senegal and suffering a heavy 0-4 defeat to hosts Sudan.

    Those results meant their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage were already extinguished before facing Congo, leaving the team to play only for pride.

    Head coach Eric Chelle praised his players’ determination, noting that the team showed improved character compared with their earlier performances.

    Supporters back home expressed mixed feelings. While pleased with the victory, many decried Nigeria’s inability to progress further in the continental competition.

    Congo’s performance reflected resilience, but their inability to convert chances ultimately cost them. Their two draws and one defeat ensured an early exit from the tournament.

    With the group stage concluded, Senegal and Sudan advanced to the knockout rounds, leaving Nigeria and Congo to reflect on missed opportunities.

  • Chelle names 35 for CHAN 2025 squad

    Chelle names 35 for CHAN 2025 squad

    Head Coach Eric Chelle has released a 35-man provisional list for the Super Eagles B squad ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.

    The list includes captain Junior Nduka and Papa Daniel Mustapha, both considered key to Nigeria’s home-based national team preparations.

    The CHAN tournament will be hosted in August by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament is exclusive to players competing in their domestic leagues.

    A statement on Friday by Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed the list.

    Forward Anas Yusuf features prominently, along with several established names in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

    First-choice goalkeeper Henry Ani makes the squad, alongside defenders Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Kabiru Mohammed, and Uzondu Harrison.

    Midfielders Haddi Haruna and Saviour Isaac were also included, along with forwards Sunday Megwo, Adamu Abubakar, and Godwin Obaje.

    Goalkeepers Kayode Bankole and Ebenezer Harcourt have been called, as well as defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Manyo Egbe.

    Midfielder Adam Aminu and forwards Atule Joseph and Temitope Vincent also earned call-ups.

    Nigeria, CHAN runners-up in 2018, are placed in Group D of the 19-nation competition.

    They are grouped alongside title holders Senegal, as well as Sudan and Congo.

    The Super Eagles will face Senegal and Sudan at Amman Stadium, located on Zanzibar Island.

    Their final group game, against Congo, will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.

    Olajire said all invited players must report to Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun, on Monday.

    Players are to bring their international passports and valid club licences to camp.

    Provisional Super Eagles B Squad (35 players)

    Goalkeepers:
    Henry Ani (Enyimba), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United), Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)

    Defenders:
    Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars), Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City), Bankole Afeez (Kwara United), Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United), and Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City).

    Others are Junior Nduka (Remo Stars),
    Mohammed Kabiru (Kwara United), Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City), Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International), Stephen Manyo Egbe (Rivers United)

    Midfielders:
    Adebayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars), Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia Warriors), Saviour Isaac (Rangers International), Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors) and Haddi Haruna (Remo Stars).

    Others are Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United), Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars), Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars).

    Forwards:
    Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United), Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United), Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City), Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Temitope Vincent (Plateau United) and Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors).

    Others are Atule Joseph (Enyimba), Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City), Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors), Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United), Godwin Obaje (Rangers International).

  • CHAN 2024: Nigeria’s group stage opponents revealed

    CHAN 2024: Nigeria’s group stage opponents revealed

    Nigeria have been drawn alongside Senegal, Sudan and Congo Brazzaville in Group D of the 8th African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The tournament has now been moved to August 2025, but with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda still to jointly host.

    At the draw held inside the famous Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on Wednesday, joint-hosts Kenya head Group A that also includes Morocco, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

    Kenya and 2018 winners Morocco will clash in the opening match of the tournament organised for players in the local league.

    Nigeria’s Home-based Super Eagles won the silver-medal in 2018.

    Tanzania, another joint-hosts, head Group B, and will confront Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic – conquerors of Cameroon.

    All five will fight for two slots in the knockout rounds.

    Uganda, the third joint-hosts, will battle Niger Republic, Guinea and two wild card holders to be determined by the Confederation of African Football, in Group C.

    CHAN 2024 full draw below:

    • GROUP A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia.
    • GROUP B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.
    • GROUP C: Uganda, Niger Republic, Guinea, Wild Card 2, Wild Card 1.
    • GROUP D: Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Sudan, Nigeria.
  • CHAN qualification: NSC splashes N10m on Super Eagles B team

    CHAN qualification: NSC splashes N10m on Super Eagles B team

    The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal promise of N10 million donation to the Super Eagles B team for qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The home-based Eagles defeated Ghana’s Black Galaxies 3-1 on Saturday in Uyo to secure qualification for the CHAN slated, which is for Feb. 2025 in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

    The NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, had initially expressed the intention to personally reward the team for a win. However, in a remarkable display of leadership, Dikko interceded, insisting on taking up the gesture himself.

    “Before the game, I made a personal pledge to reward the team if they emerged victorious. When I shared this with the NSC chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, he immediately applauded the idea but insisted that he would make the donation himself as a sign of solidarity and appreciation for the players’ efforts,” Olopade said.

    The CHAN Eagles delivered a stellar performance in front of an electrified crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Sodiq Ismaila opened scoring in the 18th minute, followed swiftly by goals from Nduka Junior and Saviour Isaac in the 21st and 25th minutes, respectively. Ghana got their consolation goal through Stephen Amenkona in the 71st minute of the game.

    The 2025 CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players competing in Africa, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

  • CHAN 2025 Qualifier: Eguavoen upbeat about Super Eagles chances against Ghana [Team list]

    CHAN 2025 Qualifier: Eguavoen upbeat about Super Eagles chances against Ghana [Team list]

    Coach Augustine Eguavoen says he is excited about the response from all the invited players ahead of the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying fixture against Ghana.

    NAN reports that 35 players were invited for the Super Eagles B team 2025 CHAN qualifying fixture against Ghana.

    Eguavoen says he is impressed with the immense quality in the group, adding that he is confident and hopeful of qualifying Nigeria ahead of Ghana.

    He noted that he had a short fall of two players on Wednesday who joined camp on Thursday,  to complete the list of the 35 invited players, following the second training session.

    The coach  said two players from Plateau United also left on Thursday for an assignment with their club, as there was an agreement with all the clubs that the players could be released.

    “We have quite a huge number of players in camp. I visit league venues a lot, and also, we have the assistant coaches, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede, as well as the goalkeeper coach.

    “So, they saw a whole lot of players in the league, and I saw some as well, and I consulted some coaches whom I haven’t been opportuned to watch their teams play live.

    “All put together. If you compare the list that I had and the ones my assistants gave to me, most of the players are all on the same list.

    “The players have been very impressive. We’ve had only two sessions but you could see that they are very good technically.

    “We still have alot of work to do because they are coming from different clubs and we have to see how we can blend them now and make them play as one team, one unit,” he said.

    He said that there was still enough time to work with the team and select the best players out of the group to face Ghana, come December.

    He noted that the Ghanians are a very tough side to beat, adding, however, that his team would work hard to ensure that they get a positive result.

    “At any category we meet the Ghanaian team, it is always very tough. All we pray is for luck.

    “As for the upcoming game, we will go out there, work hard, and strrategise to make sure we are in the next CHAN,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the first leg of the fixture is billed for the weekend of Dec. 20 to 22, with the return leg expected to be played a week later.

    The overall winner will earn a berth at CHAN 2025 to be co-hosted by Kenya, Morocco and Tanzania.

    The finals are scheduled to be held from Feb. 1 to 28, 2025.

    LIST OF ALL 35 INVITED PLAYERS

    Goalkeepers:

    Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United); Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC); Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United)

    Defenders:

    Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United); Stephen Mayo (Rivers United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers); Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United); Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors);

    Midfielders:

    Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors); Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC); Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United); Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars); Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars); Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers); Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars); Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City)

    Forwards:

    Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars); Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United); Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance).

  • BREAKING: CAF confirms dates for 2024 CHAN

    BREAKING: CAF confirms dates for 2024 CHAN

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the dates for the 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) equivalent solely for players in their respectively national league competitions.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe confirmed the dates on Tuesday, following a meeting of  CAF Executive Committee members in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.

    According to Dr. Motsepe, CHAN 2024 will be played between 1st of February to 28th February 2025 with the first round of qualifiers scheduled to be played on the weekend of 25-27 October 2024.

    “CHAN is scheduled to be hosted in East Africa. CAF will communicate in due course stadiums and other venues to be used for the competition,” Motsepe said.

    On Sunday, the CAF President had visited some of the venues in Kenya that are being prepared for the tournament.

    While noting the progress made and the commitment of the Government of Kenya, Dr Motsepe said there was a need for everyone to work together with speed to ensure that all venues and facilities are ready for the Competition.

    Senegal are the current champions of CHAN after they defeated hosts, Algeria two years ago in Algiers.