The return leg of the 2025 CHAN qualifying match between Niger and Togo has been rescheduled, with the fixture now set to take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.
The match was originally slated for Saturday, December 28, but the change was confirmed by the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) in an official statement.
According to the FTF, the decision was made following approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in response to a request from the Malian Football Federation.
Elim CHAN 2024 | 2ème tour : Le match Niger vs Togo aura lieu finalement le vendredi 27 décembre
En savoir plus ➡️ https://t.co/0gJ9pb6Dsi pic.twitter.com/NDuCs5FSk6
— FTF-Fédération Togolaise de Football (@FtfTogolaise) December 6, 2024
The adjustment is part of efforts to streamline the schedule, particularly at the Stade du 26 Mars, which is hosting several high-profile matches in the same period.
Managing a packed schedule
The rescheduling is part of a broader strategy to manage the busy weekend of football in Bamako.
On the same day as the Niger-Togo match, two other key fixtures are scheduled to take place at the same venue: Burkina Faso will face the Ivory Coast, and Mali will play against Mauritania.
By moving the Niger-Togo encounter a day earlier, organizers aim to ensure the logistical smoothness of the event and provide optimal conditions for both the teams and spectators.
This change reflects the complexities of organizing international tournaments, where multiple matches must be coordinated to avoid scheduling conflicts, especially in stadiums with high demand.
CHAN 2025: A glimpse at the tournament
The rescheduled match comes as preparations for the CHAN 2025 tournament, which will bring together 16 teams from across Africa, continue.
CHAN 2024(Q): Le match entre le Niger et le Togo avancé d’un jour
https://t.co/uZplvtMqXs@EperviersDuTogo
— togofoot (@togofoot) December 6, 2024
The tournament, exclusively for players competing in domestic leagues, will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, 2025.
This marks the eighth edition of the competition, promising exciting football action for African nations and their football fans.
While the competition remains highly anticipated, it has not been without controversy, as a number of nations have recently decided to withdraw from the tournament, citing various reasons.
The withdrawals have sparked discussions about the future of the tournament, but despite these challenges, CHAN 2025 remains a significant event on the African football calendar.
