CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Senegal, CAR, Burkina Faso, and Guinea Secure Spots

Monday 30 December 2024 - 15:00

The road to the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) has been marked by surprising twists and thrilling finishes. Teams from across the continent have fought fiercely for a place in the prestigious tournament, which will take place from February 1 to 28, 2025, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Among the countries that have earned their spots are Senegal, the Central African Republic (CAR), Burkina Faso, Guinea, Nigeria, and Mauritania.

Defending champions Senegal cemented their qualification with a resounding 3-0 victory over Liberia at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium. This result ensured their place in the upcoming tournament and confirmed their continued dominance in African football.

One of the most surprising outcomes of the qualifiers came from the Central African Republic. The CAR team pulled off a dramatic upset by eliminating the indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Despite a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the first leg in Abidjan, the CAR bounced back with a 2-1 victory in the return leg in Bafoussam. Thanks to the away goals rule, the CAR secured its first-ever qualification for the CHAN.

Burkina Faso also proved resilient in the qualifiers. After a 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in the first leg, the Burkinabé managed to turn the tables in the second leg. At the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, they triumphed 2-0, bringing the aggregate score to a 2-2 draw. The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, which Burkina Faso won 4-2, securing their place in the tournament.

The Democratic Republic of Congo also qualified by defeating Chad 3-1 on aggregate. Similarly, Guinea secured their spot after a 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the second leg, confirming their participation in CHAN 2025.

Nigeria, with their locally-based team, the Super Eagles, triumphed 3-1 over Ghana's Black Galaxies to qualify. The Mauritanian team, after drawing 0-0 in Bamako against Mali, confirmed their place in the tournament following a 1-0 victory at home.

As the qualifiers wrap up, the teams that have earned their spots in the 2025 CHAN are ready to showcase their talents on the continental stage. With surprising results and dramatic finishes, the upcoming tournament promises to be one of the most exciting yet.