As the second preliminary round of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws to a close this Sunday, attention now turns to which nation will claim the 19th and final qualification spot for the tournament’s final phase.
The qualification process for CHAN sees teams from across Africa compete for places in the tournament, with three spots available from each of the continent’s regional zones: UNAF (North Africa), UFOA A and B (West Africa), UNIFFAC (Central Africa), CECAFA (East Africa), and COSAFA (Southern Africa).
Additionally, one final place is awarded to the best performing team in the CECAFA zone, which will add an intriguing layer of competition as the second round nears its conclusion.
However, recent withdrawals have altered the dynamics of the qualifying campaign.
Algeria’s exit, followed by Gabon and Tunisia’s withdrawal, has left Morocco as the sole representative from North Africa in the tournament.
As a result, the final table of qualifiers now includes Morocco, alongside the three host nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
In addition, the 15 teams who have secured their spots through the qualifying rounds, including potentially Uganda, will be joined by the final team to fill the 19th position.
Uganda, having triumphed 1-0 in the first leg, is set to host Burundi this Sunday in the decisive second leg.
CHAN 2024 : le #Cameroun lésé par l’arbitrage ? #football https://t.co/cvNi81EIrn pic.twitter.com/jNSePkfKfW
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) December 29, 2024
While Burundi has been a consistent contender, it remains uncertain if they will be able to hold off Uganda’s challenge.
The two teams are currently battling for the title of “best team in the CECAFA zone,” with Burundi standing as a strong contender alongside Ethiopia and South Sudan, who also advanced to the second round of qualifying.
As of now, ten teams have already secured their places in the final tournament: Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, who triumphed over Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively.
Guinea, although unsuccessful in its appeal for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) repechage, remains a part of the qualifying mix. The final round of fixtures has also seen Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola, Senegal, and Madagascar all confirm their qualification, with Madagascar managing to seal their place despite a 0-0 draw against Eswatini after a dominant 2-0 away win last week.
The race for the 19th and final spot remains tight as the final matches unfold, with Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan all vying for the coveted position in the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament.
With the stakes higher than ever, this Sunday’s matches will determine which team will join the other qualifiers in making history at the competition.
