The first round of the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers kicks off this weekend in the Southern zone, which requires three rounds of matches before the final tournament. Football fans can expect two competitive fixtures as teams battle for a place in the next stage.
In Blantyre, Eswatini will host Malawi in what promises to be an intense clash. Both sides will be eager to secure a strong result at home before the return leg, which is scheduled for May 10th. Meanwhile, Botswana will take on Seychelles in another key matchup, also with the return leg set for May 10th. These opening encounters mark the beginning of a crucial qualification process for the southern African nations, each aiming to reach the final phase of CHAN 2020.
The structure of the Southern zone qualifiers is such that winners from the first round advance to face stronger opponents in the second round. Specifically, the victor of the Eswatini-Malawi tie will go on to challenge Angola, while Zambia is set to face the winner of Botswana-Seychelles. These second-round fixtures are slated to take place in July, after the conclusion of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which allows national teams to focus fully on continental preparations before returning to CHAN qualification.
CHAN 2020 provides a unique platform for players who compete in their domestic leagues, allowing them to showcase their talents on an international stage. For nations in the Southern zone, advancing through the qualifiers is critical not only for national pride but also for the development of local talent. Teams like Malawi, Eswatini, Botswana, and Seychelles will be hoping to use these first-round matches to build momentum and confidence heading into tougher challenges in the second round.
Historically, Southern African teams have shown strong performances in CHAN, and the competitive nature of these initial fixtures underscores the region’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. While clubs in domestic leagues contribute significantly to players’ preparation, national team coaches will be closely monitoring performances to select squads capable of advancing. The first-round clashes therefore carry added significance, as standout performers may secure a place in their national team’s plans for the remainder of the qualifiers and the final tournament.
With the return legs on May 10th, teams will have the opportunity to overturn first-leg results or consolidate early advantages. Fans can expect tight, hard-fought encounters, with every goal likely to prove decisive in determining who advances to face Angola and Zambia in the second round. Following these matches, the Southern zone will move closer to identifying the teams that will compete in the final phase of CHAN 2020, while other regions of Africa will also begin their qualification journeys starting in July.
In summary, the Southern zone’s CHAN 2020 qualifiers begin this weekend with Eswatini hosting Malawi and Botswana facing Seychelles. The return legs on May 10th, followed by the second round in July, will determine which teams advance toward the final tournament. For these nations, success represents both continental recognition and the chance to highlight their best domestic talent.
