CHAN 2024: Niger Secures First Point in Goalless Draw with South Africa
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KAMPALA, Uganda – Niger earned a crucial point in the TotalEnergies Bamoja 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday, August 15, holding South Africa to a 0-0 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. the result,while eliminating Niger from contention,considerably alters the qualification landscape for Group C.
Match overview
Entering the contest without a point, Niger presented a formidable challenge to South Africa, who had accumulated four points and sought a victory to solidify their position atop the group. The match unfolded as a tactical affair, characterized by cautious play from both sides.
Controversial VAR Decisions
The first half featured two contentious penalty decisions for South Africa, both overturned after review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). In the 18th minute, referee Bouchra kerboubi initially awarded a penalty, but the call was rescinded following VAR intervention. A similar situation arose in stoppage time, with VAR again advising against awarding a penalty to “Bafana Bafana.” Despite these opportunities, neither team could break the deadlock before halftime.
Pro Tip: VAR implementation in African football continues to evolve, aiming to enhance fairness and accuracy in officiating.
Second-half stalemate
The second half mirrored the first, with South africa applying pressure but facing a resolute Niger defense. Both coaches, Murfy Ntseki of South Africa and Harouna Doula of Niger, introduced substitutions in an attempt to spark offensive breakthroughs. However, these changes proved insufficient to alter the scoreline.
Group C Standings and Implications
The draw saw both teams add a point to their totals. South Africa now has five points, level with Algeria, who currently hold the advantage on goal difference. Niger secured their first point of the tournament but remains at the bottom of Group C. Host nation Uganda leads the group with six points,having sat out this round of matches.
| Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 6 | 3 |
| South Africa | 5 | 4 |
| Algeria | 5 | 3 |
| Niger | 1 | 4 |
quarterfinal Qualification Scenarios
With Guinea also eliminated, three teams – Algeria, South Africa, and Uganda – remain in contention for the two available quarterfinal spots. The final round of group stage matches will be decisive. South Africa faces a critical encounter against host nation Uganda, where a victory is essential for qualification. Algeria, meanwhile, holds a favorable position, needing only a draw against niger to advance.
Did You Know? The African Nations Championship features only players who play in their domestic leagues, providing a platform for local talent.
What impact will home-field advantage have on Uganda’s match against South Africa? And can Algeria capitalize on their favorable position against an eliminated Niger side?
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a biennial tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Established in 2009, it aims to showcase the talent within African domestic leagues, providing a platform for players who may not typically feature in international competitions. The tournament has grown in prominence, attracting increasing viewership and investment, and serves as a vital advancement tool for African football. The increasing use of VAR,as seen in this match,reflects CAF’s commitment to improving the standard of officiating and ensuring fair play across its competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions about CHAN 2024
- What is the African Nations Championship (CHAN)? it’s a tournament featuring only players who play in their domestic leagues.
- Who is currently leading Group C in CHAN 2024? uganda currently leads Group C with six points.
- What does South Africa need to do to qualify for the quarterfinals? South Africa needs to win their final match against Uganda.
- What is Niger’s current standing in group C? Niger is currently at the bottom of Group C with one point.
- How does VAR impact matches in CHAN 2024? VAR is used to review key decisions, aiming to improve accuracy and fairness.
We hope you enjoyed this coverage of the match between Niger and South Africa. Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for the latest updates and analysis from CHAN 2024. Share this article with fellow football fans and join the conversation!
