Hosts Fall, Giants Advance: CHAN 2024 Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed

Hosts Fall, Giants Advance: CHAN 2024 Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed

By Admin 

The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has reached its semi-final stage with two mouthwatering clashes: defending champions Senegal will battle two-time winners Morocco, while surprise packages Sudan and Madagascar go head-to-head for a historic place in the final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The semi-final line-up was confirmed after a dramatic quarter-final weekend that ended the campaigns of all three co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — despite overwhelming home support.

Heavyweights Collide: Senegal vs Morocco

Holders Senegal underlined their credentials with a 1-0 win over Uganda in Kampala. In front of over 35,000 fans at the Mandela National Stadium, Oumar Ba’s 62nd-minute strike proved decisive.

Uganda, making their first-ever CHAN knockout stage appearance, dominated possession and carved out chances but fell short against Senegal’s trademark defensive discipline, marshalled by Seyni Ndiaye and goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

Senegal will now lock horns with Morocco, who edged co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 in Dar es Salaam. Oussama Lamlaoui netted his fourth goal of the tournament, capitalising on Youssef Belammari’s clever assist.

Despite heavy pressure from the home side and missing several key defenders, the Atlas Lions extended their remarkable record in knockout matches, making it seven straight elimination wins since 2014.

This sets the stage for a heavyweight clash in Kampala between two CHAN giants — holders Senegal and 2018 & 2020 champions Morocco.

Sudan’s Fairytale March Continues

If Senegal and Morocco represent the established elite, Sudan are fast becoming the story of CHAN 2024.

The Falcons of Jediane stunned 2022 finalists Algeria in Zanzibar, winning 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw. Kwesi Appiah’s side had already beaten Nigeria and topped a tough group, and they again showed resilience to go the distance.

An own goal from Ayoub Ghezala gave Sudan the lead, but Algeria hit back through Soufiane Bayazid. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja emerged as the hero in the shootout, making two crucial saves to secure Sudan’s semi-final berth.

Coach Appiah praised his players’ belief, declaring: “We will not stop here.”

Their opponents will be Madagascar, another side thriving as underdogs. The Barea knocked out debutants Kenya in Nairobi, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, at 39, was outstanding once again, making two vital saves before Toky Rakotondraibe converted the winning kick.

Hosts Exit, but Tournament Shines

While the quarter-finals ended in heartbreak for all three hosts — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — their performances ensured packed stadiums and unforgettable atmospheres.

The semi-finals now offer two contrasting showdowns: a titanic clash between continental heavyweights Senegal and Morocco, and a battle of two unlikely contenders, Sudan and Madagascar, each chasing a historic first CHAN final.

Semi-final fixtures – Tuesday, 26 August 2025

17:30 – Madagascar vs Sudan – Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam

20:30 – Morocco vs Senegal – Mandela National Stadium, Kampala.

The winners will meet in the final on Saturday, 30 August, in what promises to be one of the most memorable CHAN editions in history.