The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, originally set to feature 18 qualified teams, will now see 19 participants competing in the tournament, following a surprising development in the qualification process.
Last Sunday, the conclusion of the second and final preliminary round saw Mauritania secure their place in the competition.
A goalless draw (0-0) against Mali in the second leg, coupled with their 1-0 victory in the first encounter, was enough to ensure the Mourabitounes A’ advanced.
Joining them on the list of qualifiers is Uganda, who defeated Burundi with identical 1-0 victories in both legs.
However, the qualification of Uganda has stirred the competition’s lineup, as the East African nation had already secured automatic entry as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
This left the number of confirmed participants at 18, with Morocco standing as the sole North African representative following the withdrawals of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia.
Two Spots Remain Open
According to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) initial plans, the CHAN 2024 lineup was to include three teams from each region (North, West A and B, Centre, East, and South) alongside a single “best team in the CECAFA zone” (Central Africa) chosen through unspecified criteria. This would have rounded out the tournament to 19 participants.
However, the unexpected exits of the four North African nations disrupted these arrangements, creating ambiguity about whether the tournament would proceed with 18 teams instead.
CAF’s recently published table of qualifiers has clarified the situation, confirming that two additional slots remain open. This decision leaves room for further competition, as the final two spots are yet to be officially awarded.
Rwanda’s Uncertain Position
Interestingly, Rwanda, who edged South Sudan in their qualification tie via the away goals rule (2-3, 2-1), has not been listed among the qualified teams.
This omission suggests that the final composition of the CHAN 2024 participants remains unresolved.
CAF is expected to reveal the identities of the last two qualifiers in the coming days, adding an extra layer of anticipation to a tournament already marked by unpredictability.
The revised team count underscores CHAN’s evolving dynamics, as it continues to spotlight Africa’s homegrown talent amid shifting qualification landscapes.
The announcement of the final teams will mark the conclusion of a dramatic qualification phase and set the stage for a highly anticipated tournament.
