CHAN 2025: Algeria face Sudan as final semi-finalists set to be decided

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals reach their conclusion on Saturday, with two decisive matches that will determine the last semi-finalists of the 2025 edition of the tournament.

Uganda face reigning champions Senegal in the first match of the day, while Sudan and Algeria will battle for the final spot in the last four.

Uganda and Senegal open the day’s fixtures at 3:00 p.m. local time, with the winner set to take on Morocco in the semi-finals.

Morocco secured their place in the last four on Friday with a composed performance, eliminating their quarter-final opponent to continue their strong run in the competition.

Uganda, who impressed in the group stage, are hoping to extend their campaign with a historic win, but they face a stern test against Senegal, the defending champions who remain favourites to retain their crown.

The second quarter-final, kicking off at 6:00 p.m., sees Algeria take on Sudan in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.

The victor will meet Madagascar in the semi-finals, after the island nation booked their place with a resilient showing earlier in the tournament.

Algeria entered the knockout stage after finishing second in their group, having shown glimpses of their quality despite a mixed set of results in the group phase.

Coach Madjid Bougherra has called on his players to raise their level as they aim to match their 2023 performance, when they reached the semi-finals.

The Algerian squad, composed of home-based players, have demonstrated organisation and defensive strength but will need greater cutting edge in attack to overcome a confident Sudanese side.

Sudan, meanwhile, have been one of the surprises of the tournament. They topped their group ahead of heavyweights Senegal, showcasing tactical discipline and resilience.

Led by Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan’s squad—largely made up of players from the country’s top domestic clubs—have shown cohesion and determination, which could prove pivotal against a technically gifted Algerian outfit.

Both teams approach this fixture with a strong belief in their ability to progress. For Algeria, reaching the last four would reaffirm their place among the continent’s top footballing nations, while Sudan are looking to capitalise on their momentum and deliver another statement victory.

The clash is being billed as one of the standout fixtures of the tournament’s knockout phase, with both sides boasting a mix of emerging talent and experienced campaigners.

Saturday’s matches promise to deliver high-stakes football as the competition nears its climax. With Morocco and Madagascar already assured of semi-final berths, all eyes will be on which two teams join them in the last four.

The winners of these quarter-final encounters will advance to Tuesday’s semi-finals, which will take place at Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The tournament, reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues, continues to highlight Africa’s wealth of homegrown talent while providing a platform for lesser-known stars to shine on the continental stage.