Mixed fortunes and hard lessons for CHAN 2024's early exits

Madagascar and the Central African Republic players heading to the field in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) encounter on August 13, 2025. Madagascar 2-0 CAR. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage heads toward home stretch, several teams have already seen their dreams cut short.

For Angola, Zambia, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria, the campaign has ended earlier than hoped, leaving fans and players reflecting on missed chances and lessons for the future.

Zambia team arrive for their CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Nyayo National stadium on August 14, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Group A has seen both Angola and Zambia fall short against stronger competitors in a group that was refered to as ‘Group of Death.’ Angola who were seen as a formidable side in the tournament, failed to convert chances in key matches proved costly.

Angola's national football team before their match against DR Congo on August 14, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Despite flashes of attacking flair, they were punished by lapses in concentration at the back. Zambia, meanwhile, suffered from inconsistency. A promising opening draw was followed by narrow defeats that sealed their fate.

Burkina Faso national football team before the match against Mauritania on August 13, 2025. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard]

In Group B, Burkina Faso’s elimination came despite moments of resilience. Their defensive discipline kept them in games, but a lack of creativity in the final fourth with three points from three matches meant the championship did not favoured them. Even with one game at hand, the outcome will have no additional value to ‘the Stallions’.

They bowed out with one of the lowest scoring tallies of the tournament.

The Central African Republic national football team 'The Wild Beasts' on August 13, 2025. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard]

The Central African Republic endured a more difficult campaign, struggling to match the physicality and tactical sharpness of their opponents. A heavy defeat in their opener set the tone, and despite a spirited fight in their last match, they couldn’t turn the tide losing them all.

Group C’s elimination will be determined tonight, with Niger’s match against South Africa set to decide which team joins the list of early exits. Niger’s survival hopes rest on producing their best performance yet, while the outcome will also shape the group’s final standings.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was Nigeria’s early departure from Group D. The Super Eagles, historically one of Africa’s strongest football nations, failed to live up to expectations. A shaky start, including a surprise defeat in their two opener games, put them on the back foot. While they showed flashes of their trademark speed and skill, defensive errors and missed chances in front of goal proved fatal.