Kampala, Uganda: South Africa and Algeria Sunday qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), joining Uganda, Niger, and Guinea in what is now dubbed Group C, one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
South Africa sealed their place after a dramatic 2-0 victory over Malawi on the afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Victor Letsoalo opened the scoring in the 12th minute to level the tie, before captain Neo Billy Maema netted a late winner following a well-orchestrated move led by Kamohelo Mahlatsi. Maema’s commanding performance earned plaudits as he led the youthful squad to qualification.
Similarly, Algeria secured their CHAN ticket on Friday with a dominant 3-0 home win over Gambia in Annaba, following a goalless first leg in Bakau.
Abderrahmane Meziane opened the scoring shortly after halftime, before Adil Boulbina struck twice in the 71st and 91st minutes to seal the result.
Boulbina, currently one of Algeria’s most prolific domestic talents with 15 league goals, lived up to his reputation with a clinical display.
Gambia, who only arrived in Algeria on the morning of the match due to travel complications, struggled to match the hosts’ intensity throughout the contest.
With Uganda, South Africa, Algeria, Niger, and Guinea confirmed in Group C, the pool is shaping up as the group of death in the 2025 CHAN edition, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
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