Cairo – The Algerian national football team for locally-based players will face Gambia in the second and final round of play-off matches qualifying for the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 (postponed to 2025). The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 2 to 30, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Gambia qualified for this stage after eliminating Gabon via penalty shootouts (5-3), following two goalless draws in both the first leg and second leg matches (0-0).
Match Schedule
The first leg between Gambia and Algeria is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, in Banjul, with the return leg scheduled a week later on May 10 in Algeria.
Qualification Prospects
If Algeria qualifies, they will be placed in Group C of the finals alongside Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and the other team that advances from the second play-off match.
Tournament Details
The upcoming edition of the CHAN will feature 19 African teams. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to postpone the tournament to 2025 to ensure proper preparations and the success of this edition of the championship.
Results of the First Round of Play-offs
Below are the results of the first round of play-off matches:
- Malawi vs. Comoros: Malawi won with an aggregate score of (2-0 in the second leg and 0-2 in the first leg).
- Gabon vs. Gambia: Both matches ended in goalless draws (0-0), with Gambia winning 5-3 on penalties.
Matches on Sunday, March 9, 2025
- Egypt vs. South Africa: The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
Second and Final Round of Play-offs
- First Leg: March 2-4
- Second Leg: March 9-11
Group Composition for CHAN 2024 Finals
- Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia.
- Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic.
- Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, the winner of Play-off Match 1, the winner of Play-off Match 2.
- Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria.
This qualification phase represents a critical step for participating teams aiming to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament, which highlights the talents of locally-based players across Africa.
