South Africa, Malawi, and Gambia advanced to the final qualifying round of the CHAN tournament. South Africa triumphed over Egypt 3-1, Malawi defeated the Comoros 4-0 on aggregate, and Gambia won a penalty shootout against Gabon. The CHAN tournament, now set for August, emphasizes players from domestic leagues in international football.
On Sunday, South Africa achieved a remarkable 3-1 victory over Egypt in Ismailia, securing their advancement into the final qualifying round for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). With a 4-2 aggregate win, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Bloemfontein, South Africa will face Malawi in a two-legged matchup scheduled for May, competing for a place in the biennial tournament.
Originally slated for February, the 19-nation CHAN tournament is now scheduled to take place in August across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda due to preparation delays. Despite being favored after the draw in South Africa, Egypt struggled to keep up with the energetic South African squad. They were fortunate to be trailing only 2-1 at halftime.
South African captain Neo Maema initially broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, and he nearly secured a first-half hat-trick, hitting the woodwork twice. Yandisa Mfolozi increased the lead in the 27th minute after an unsuccessful clearance by Egypt, but the Pharaohs responded quickly with a goal from Abou el Enein five minutes later. However, Siphelele Luthuli’s successful penalty six minutes into the second half reestablished South Africa’s two-goal advantage, effectively quelling any hopes of an Egyptian comeback.
In related news, Malawi secured their qualification with a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory over the Comoros. Following their initial win, they recorded a 2-0 triumph in Lilongwe, with second-half goals from Wongani Lungu and Binwell Katinji. The Comoros faced the challenge of hosting the first leg away from home due to inadequate stadium facilities.
Additionally, Gambia advanced to the next round by overcoming Gabon in a penalty shootout after two goalless draws. Gambia successfully converted all five penalties, winning 5-3 in Franceville, which sets up a crucial clash with Algeria in the final round. Notably, the CHAN tournament is unique in international football, open exclusively to players from domestic leagues, while the matches hold international status and influence FIFA rankings.
Historically, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo have each secured the CHAN title twice, while Tunisia, Libya, and Senegal each boast one championship.
In conclusion, South Africa, Malawi, and Gambia have successfully advanced to the final qualifying round for the CHAN tournament following impressive performances. South Africa’s victory over Egypt and Malawi’s dominant win against the Comoros showcase their athletic prowess, while Gambia’s resilience in penalty shootouts highlights their competitive spirit. The upcoming tournament, rescheduled to August, promises thrilling matches as teams vie for the prestigious title reserved for domestic league players.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
