CHAN 2024: Race for Golden Boot wide open as eight players share the lead

The contest for the CHAN 2024 top scorer award remains finely balanced after five rounds of group-stage action. With no single striker pulling ahead, eight players are currently tied at the top with two goals apiece.

As the final fixtures of the group stage take place on Sunday and Monday, the race for the golden boot is set to intensify.

Here is a closer look at the eight contenders:

Players on two goals

• Lalaina (Madagascar)
  The Malagasy forward has been sharp in front of goal, providing his team with much-needed cutting edge in decisive moments.

• Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa)
  Kutumela has been central to South Africa’s attack, keeping their tournament hopes alive with important goals at crucial stages.

• Allan Okello (Uganda)
  Known for his creativity, Okello has combined vision with composure in front of goal, making him a consistent threat to opposition defences.

• Clement Mzize (Tanzania)
  Mzize has impressed with his finishing ability, giving Tanzania a strong presence in the final third of the pitch.

• Abdelraziq Omer (Sudan)
  Omer’s clever movement and ability to find space have paid off, ensuring Sudan always pose a danger in attack.

• Austin Odhiambo (Kenya)
  Quick and precise, Odhiambo has delivered for Kenya, his goals proving vital in helping them maintain top spot in their group.

• Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria)
  The Algerian striker has been efficient in front of goal, providing timely contributions that have boosted the hosts’ campaign.

• Kaporal (Angola)
  A reliable finisher, Kaporal has shown his ability to make the most of limited chances, keeping Angola competitive in tight encounters.

What lies ahead

• With the group stage entering its final round, a single strike could prove decisive in separating the eight joint leaders.

• Several forwards will look to extend their tallies and build momentum heading into the knockout phase.

• The wide-open race has added an extra layer of intrigue to a tournament already marked by unpredictability and closely contested matches.

The bigger picture

The lack of a runaway leader reflects the overall balance of the competition, where every match has carried weight and few sides have dominated.

For players, the golden boot remains within reach, and the coming days will determine who can step forward and etch their name into CHAN history.

As the decisive matches unfold, the spotlight will fall not only on teams chasing qualification but also on the individuals striving to emerge as the tournament’s most prolific scorer.