Following the confirmation of four new qualifiers (Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso), Sunday brought more action in the CHAN qualifiers with intriguing matchups. In a sibling rivalry duel, Congo secured qualification against the DR Congo. Despite a 1-2 loss in the first leg, a single goal in the return match proved sufficient for the Red Devils, sealing a 1-0 victory.
However, the DR Congo still has a chance for redemption, as they will face the loser of the Cameroon-Gabon double confrontation in the next stage.
Cameroon’s coach, Emmanuel Ndoube Bosso, proved his judgment correct as Jacques Haman emerged as the hero in their match against Gabon on Sunday. The Indomitable Lions secured a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from the Coton Sport de Garoua striker, putting Cameroon in a favorable position for qualification. The return leg is scheduled for the following week in Libreville.
Additional results include Mozambique and Zimbabwe registering respective 3-0 victories over Namibia and Mauritius. These matches, along with Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Botswana and Zambia, were part of the first round in the southern zone.
The list of confirmed qualifiers for CHAN 2014 now includes South Africa (host nation), Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Congo, Morocco, Libya, Ethiopia, and Uganda.