The African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers delivered a thrilling first leg as teams clashed across the continent, battling for spots in the tournament. The latest matches provided plenty of drama, with strong performances, fierce rivalries, and surprising upsets shaping the path forward for the competing nations. Here’s a look at the highlights from each game.
Burundi made a bold statement in their qualifying campaign, defeating Somalia 3-0.
Dominating from the outset, Burundi’s high-pressure tactics and swift transitions overwhelmed the Somalian side.
They quickly gained control, netting an early lead and adding a second shortly afterward.
A final goal sealed their dominant performance, putting Burundi in a solid position for the next round.
Togo triumphed over regional rivals Benin with a decisive 2-0 victory.
The game began tensely, with both teams battling for control, but Togo broke through in the 11th minute when midfielder Abalo of Asko scored.
Benin fought for an equalizer but struggled to penetrate Togo’s defense.
In stoppage time, Togo doubled their lead, securing the win and leaving Benin with significant ground to cover in the second leg.
Lesotho narrowly edged out Namibia in a tight match, securing a 1-0 win.
The lone goal came in the 21st minute from Kalake of Bantu United, giving Lesotho the upper hand in the opening half.
Namibia mounted a late offensive in hopes of leveling the score, but Lesotho’s defense held strong, providing them with a critical advantage heading into the next leg.
Djibouti pulled off the biggest upset of the day, defeating Rwanda 1-0 in a hard-fought game.
Rwanda, seen as the favorites, was left stunned as Djibouti’s determined performance paid off in the 78th minute when their forward struck with a powerful shot.
Despite Rwanda’s late push for an equalizer, Djibouti held firm, sending shockwaves through the tournament and putting Rwanda in a difficult position for the return match.
South Sudan recorded a significant 2-0 victory over Kenya, marking a high point in the team’s history.
After a scoreless first half, South Sudan broke through in the 50th minute with a goal from Wajo of Jamus FC.
They extended their lead in the 68th minute when Juma, also of Jamus FC, found the back of the net.
South Sudan’s impressive performance leaves them on the brink of AFCON qualification and brought joy to their supporters.
Eswatini delivered a decisive performance, defeating Zimbabwe 3-0.
Playing confidently on Zimbabwean turf, Eswatini dominated from start to finish, effectively shutting down Zimbabwe’s attempts at a comeback.
Their well-organized defense complemented their clinical attack, securing them a comfortable lead as they head into the second leg.
In a fiercely contested match, Liberia secured a 2-1 win over Sierra Leone.
The first half ended evenly, with both sides scoring once.
However, Liberia seized the advantage in the second half, clinching the game with a late goal that left Sierra Leone trailing.
Liberia’s narrow victory provides them with an edge in what promises to be a challenging return leg.
Sudan managed a close 1-0 win over Tanzania in a match that remained tight from the start.
Both teams created scoring opportunities but struggled to break through until the 23rd minute when Sudan’s Abdel Rahman capitalized on a loose ball in the box.
His strike ultimately proved to be the winning goal, as Sudan held their lead to the final whistle.
The first leg of the CHAN qualifiers showcased thrilling battles, with each team fighting to advance.
As the second-leg matches approach, the stakes are high for those seeking redemption and those aiming to secure their path to the tournament.
The race to CHAN continues, with more intense clashes expected in the next round.
