The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has reached its decisive stages, delivering drama, heartbreak, and historic opportunity in almost equal measure.
On Friday, August 22, 2025, co-hosts Kenya and debutants Tanzania were sent packing, while Madagascar and Morocco secured their places in the semi-finals.
It was the end of the road for Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars side as they exited the competition at the quarter-final stage at the hands of Madagascar, whose star midfielder is former Kaizer Chiefs player Arohasina Andrianarimanana
On Saturday night, attention now shifts to Kampala, where Uganda’s Cranes host defending champions Senegal in a clash that could redefine the tournament.
Kenya, playing in their first-ever CHAN tournament, saw their dream run cut short in Nairobi after a tense 1–1 draw with Madagascar ended in penalties. Alphonce Omija gave the Harambee Stars an early lead, but Fenohasina Razafimaro’s equalizer from the spot forced the shootout.
When Omija stepped up again, this time under the pressure of penalties, his miss proved costly. Toky Rakotondraibe kept his cool to score the decisive kick and send Madagascar into the last four for the second time in succession.
In Dar es Salaam, Morocco’s Atlas Lions demonstrated once more why they are perennial contenders in this competition. A second-half strike from Oussama Lamlioui was enough to edge out a determined Tanzania side 1–0.
The Tanzanians fought bravely, but Morocco’s experience in managing high-stakes games proved decisive. With the victory, the North Africans continue their quest for a third CHAN crown, having established themselves as one of the most consistent forces in the tournament since 2014.
Madagascar, buoyed by their resilience and growing reputation, will now face the winner of Sudan versus Algeria. Morocco, on the other hand, await the victor of Uganda versus Senegal, a fixture that has already captured continental attention.
Uganda’s moment of truth
The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala is set to erupt on Saturday night as Uganda prepares for its biggest CHAN test yet. The Cranes, who topped Group C with seven points, are in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
For head coach Morley Byekwaso, the occasion represents both a challenge and an opportunity. “Tomorrow will be a very tough game, but we are prepared. It’s a special match for us because we are playing at home and want to bring joy to our fans,” Byekwaso told reporters on Friday.
“This is not a friendly, it’s a knockout game where we must show character and discipline. Senegal is experienced, they’ve been champions for the last two years, but with our fans behind us, we believe we can achieve victory,” he reaffirmed.
Uganda’s passionate supporters could play a decisive role, just as they did in the thrilling 3-3 draw with South Africa that ensured progression from the group stage. Midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, returning from suspension, described the match as feeling “like a final.”
Senegal’s champions’ test
For Senegal, Saturday is about proving that their crown still fits. The Lions of Teranga finished second in Group D, conceding just once, evidence of their defensive resilience.
Coach Souleymane Diallo acknowledged the challenge of facing Uganda in front of a home crowd but remained confident.
“We know it will be a tough match. Uganda is well-organized and playing at home, which gives them an extra boost. But this is a knockout game where there are only two options: win and move on, or lose and go home. We are ready to give everything.”
Young forward Pape Abasse Badji could be Senegal’s X-factor, while the absence of suspended defender Yaya Ly presents a test of squad depth.
What is clear is that the winner in Kampala will not only advance to face Morocco but also claim a place in CHAN history. For Uganda, it would mark the continuation of a fairytale debut knockout run. For Senegal, it is the defense of a title they believe is theirs to keep.
With Madagascar and Morocco already through, the stage is set for a weekend of defining battles that will shape the path to the CHAN 2024 final.
