Defending champions Senegal will face two-time winners Morocco, while Sudan square off against Madagascar as the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 enters its semi-final stage.
The last-four line-up was confirmed after a dramatic quarter-final weekend in East Africa that saw all three co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda eliminated despite passionate home support.
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The tournament, jointly staged in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, now has a heavyweight feel with two former champions still in contention alongside two of the competition’s biggest underdog stories.
Senegal, Morocco Set for Heavyweight Duel
Senegal underlined their title credentials with a 1-0 victory over Uganda in Kampala. In front of 35,000 fans at the Mandela National Stadium, the Lions of Teranga struck decisively in the 62nd minute through Oumar Ba.
Uganda, featuring in the CHAN knockout stage for the first time, dominated possession but could not break through Senegal’s resolute back line. Goalkeeper Marc Diouf pulled off late saves to preserve the win.
That victory set up a semi-final clash with Morocco, who edged co-hosts Tanzania 1-0 in Dar es Salaam. Oussama Lamlaoui netted the winner midway through the second half, his fourth of the tournament, as the Atlas Lions survived heavy pressure from the Taifa Stars.
Despite injury setbacks, Morocco’s tactical discipline shone through as they extended their remarkable knockout record, winning their seventh straight elimination match since 2014.
Sudan’s Fairytale Run Continues
Sudan produced one of the shocks of the competition, eliminating 2022 finalists Algeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Zanzibar. An own goal by Ayoub Ghezala gave Sudan the lead before Soufiane Bayazid equalised, but goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja’s heroics in the shootout sealed a 4-2 win.
Coach Kwesi Appiah’s side, who demolished Nigeria 4-0 in the group stage, have been the surprise package of the tournament and are now targeting a historic first CHAN final.
Their opponents, Madagascar, continued their giant-killing reputation by knocking out hosts Kenya on penalties in Nairobi. After a 1-1 draw, veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa starred in the shootout as the Barea triumphed 4-3.
Hosts Exit but Tournament Thrives
Kenya’s debut campaign ended in heartbreak, Tanzania’s dream was halted by Morocco, and Uganda’s historic run was cut short by Senegal. Still, packed stadiums and dramatic matches have made CHAN 2024 one of the most memorable editions to date.
Semi-final fixtures (Tuesday, 26 August 2025):
17:30 – Madagascar vs Sudan (Dar es Salaam)
20:30 – Morocco vs Senegal (Kampala)
The winners will meet in the final on Saturday, 30 August, in what promises to be a classic conclusion to CHAN 2024.
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