Madagascar face the Central African Republic and Mauritania meet Burkina Faso on Wednesday in the fourth round of Group B fixtures at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The day begins with Madagascar taking on the Central African Republic at 15:00 local time, a match that could significantly influence the group’s lower standings.
Madagascar, currently with just one point from their opening fixtures, are seeking their first victory of the tournament.
They face a Central African Republic side yet to register a single point, making the encounter vital for both teams to salvage pride and keep faint hopes alive.
Later in the day, Mauritania will play Burkina Faso at 18:00 in what promises to be a decisive clash for second place. Mauritania sit second in the group on four points, while Burkina Faso trail closely with three points.
A win for either side could prove pivotal in the battle for qualification, especially with Tanzania leading the group convincingly.
Tanzania’s dominance in Group B has been clear, with the East African side topping the standings with a perfect record of nine points from their first three games.
Their early qualification leaves the remaining teams fighting for the second spot, adding extra pressure to Wednesday’s fixtures.
For Madagascar, the challenge lies not only in securing a win but also in improving their goal difference, which could be crucial if the group ends in a points tie.
Despite flashes of attacking promise, their inability to convert opportunities into goals has cost them in previous matches. They now face a Central African Republic team desperate to avoid finishing bottom, making for an unpredictable contest.
Mauritania, meanwhile, will aim to build on their four-point tally and cement their place in the top two. Their campaign so far has been marked by resilience, with key moments of defensive organisation ensuring they remain in contention.
However, Burkina Faso’s attacking threats present a real test. Having already collected three points, the Burkinabè know that victory would not only leapfrog them above Mauritania but also give them a firm grip on second place heading into the final stages of the group phase.
As the group table stands, Tanzania lead with 9 points, followed by Mauritania on 4, Burkina Faso on 3, Madagascar with 1, and the Central African Republic yet to open their account. With just two group-stage rounds left, the margin for error is narrowing for teams outside the top two.
The stakes are particularly high for Mauritania and Burkina Faso, as defeat could see one of them lose control over their qualification hopes.
For Madagascar and the Central African Republic, Wednesday represents one of their last chances to make an impression on the tournament and disrupt the current standings.
Fans can expect a day of intense competition, where results could reshape the group’s dynamics and set the stage for a dramatic conclusion to Group B in CHAN 2025.
