The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), jointly hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, has reached a decisive stage with several nations already bowing out of the competition before the final group matches.
Despite Matchday 5 still ahead, alongside rescheduled fixtures from Matchday 3, the picture of teams advancing and those eliminated is becoming clearer.
For some, the journey has ended prematurely, with their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals extinguished.
Among the nations confirmed to be out of contention are Angola, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Zambia, Guinea and Niger.
Their early exits mark the end of aspirations to compete in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Nigeria’s elimination is particularly striking, given the country’s rich football pedigree and reputation as one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
Despite high expectations, the Super Eagles’ home-based squad failed to find the consistency needed to advance, leaving supporters disappointed at another missed opportunity on the continental stage.
For Angola and Burkina Faso, the campaign has also proved underwhelming. Both teams entered the competition with hopes of at least reaching the last eight but were undone by poor results and stiff competition in their respective groups. Their inability to produce key victories at crucial moments ensured an early exit.
Zambia, another notable casualty, struggled to impose themselves in a tournament where they had previously been regarded as strong contenders.
Their elimination underlines the unpredictable nature of CHAN, where results can quickly shift the balance of power and leave even established sides facing an abrupt departure.
The Central African Republic, Guinea and Niger, meanwhile, found themselves overpowered in challenging groups. Despite flashes of promise, their campaigns lacked the momentum required to progress. For these sides, the experience of competing on the continental stage will nonetheless provide valuable lessons for future tournaments.
While disappointment lingers for the teams that have fallen short, the tournament continues to showcase its unpredictable character and competitive edge.
The eliminations also clear the path for other nations still fighting for a place in the last eight, where every point and every performance will be crucial in determining the next phase.
Attention now turns to the remaining group fixtures, with the stakes higher than ever for the teams still in contention.
With Matchday 5 set to provide clarity and the rescheduled Matchday 3 fixtures carrying added importance, the coming days promise decisive battles across the host nations.
For the eliminated teams, focus shifts away from the present tournament towards rebuilding and preparing for future challenges.
CHAN, designed to highlight home-based talent across Africa, has once again emphasised the fine margins that separate success from failure in continental football.
As Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya continue to provide the backdrop for this year’s competition, the drama of the group stage is far from over.
But for Angola, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Zambia, Guinea and Niger, the 2024 edition of CHAN has already concluded, leaving others to battle for glory in the quarter-finals.