Nairobi, January 15, 2025 – Algeria’s national football team, composed of local players, is set to compete for one of the two additional qualification spots for the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), which has been postponed to August 2025. The announcement was made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just before the draw for the final tournament, which took place at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) initially decided against Algeria’s participation in the competition but later reversed its decision after the official postponement of the tournament. Originally scheduled for February 1-28, 2025, the CHAN 2024 finals will now take place in three host nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Alongside Algeria, six other countries have confirmed their participation in the playoffs: Egypt, South Africa, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, and Comoros.
In total, 19 nations will participate in the upcoming CHAN 2024, a tournament dedicated to showcasing local talent from African leagues. CAF postponed the event due to delays in preparations by the host nations.
Algeria’s Return to CHAN After Heartbreaking Final
The previous edition of the CHAN tournament, held in Algeria in 2023, saw Senegal narrowly defeat Algeria in the final on February 4 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki (Algiers). After a goalless draw, Senegal triumphed 5-4 on penalties, leaving the Algerian team with bittersweet memories of its strong performance throughout the tournament.
Final Tournament Draw for CHAN 2024
CAF announced the group stage draw for the tournament, which will feature four groups:
- Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia
- Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic
- Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Qualifier 2, Qualifier 1
- Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
Algeria, alongside six other teams, will need to compete in the qualification playoffs to secure one of the final two spots in the group stage.
Algeria’s Hopes for Redemption
After falling short in the previous final, Algeria is determined to secure its place in the 2024 CHAN and showcase the strength of its local talent. With the tournament providing a platform for African players competing in domestic leagues, Algeria’s participation underscores its commitment to developing and promoting local football.
The tournament, postponed but eagerly anticipated, promises to be a celebration of African football excellence and unity.
For more updates on Algeria’s football journey and other sports news, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: Nor-Eleslam
