Algeria will discover their opponent for the second round of the CHAN 2025 qualifiers this weekend as the return fixtures of the preliminary “catch-up” round take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Madjid Bougherra’s side will know their next challenger by Saturday afternoon, following the conclusion of Gabon’s clash with Gambia in Franceville.
The first leg ended in a goalless draw in Thiès, Senegal, leaving the tie wide open. Gabon, led by players such as Samson Mbingui and Malick Evouna, will look to capitalize on home advantage to secure their place in the next round against Algeria.
Comoros Facing Uphill Battle
Elsewhere, Comoros find themselves in a difficult position after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their tie. They must now attempt to overturn the deficit away from home in Lilongwe, as they lack a stadium that meets international standards.
The most anticipated fixture of this round sees Egypt take on South Africa on Sunday. With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein, the return match in Cairo remains finely poised, with both teams still in contention for qualification.
CHAN 2025 Postponement and Qualification Process
Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the CHAN tournament has been rescheduled and will now take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The group-stage draw has already been conducted, but this additional qualification round features teams that had initially opted out of the competition before reversing their decision following an appeal from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CHAN 2025 Qualification Fixtures:
- Saturday, March 8 – Malawi vs. Comoros (1 p.m. local time)
- Saturday, March 8 – Gabon vs. Gambia (3 p.m. local time)
- Sunday, March 9 – Egypt vs. South Africa (7:30 p.m. local time)
