Group C- Painful exit awaits either Uganda, Algeria, or South Africa

Uganda's Cranes during a training session. [CAF]

Group C of the 2024 CHAN Championship has come down to a tense finish, with three teams Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa still in strong contention to qualify for the quarterfinals.

As the final group matches kick off today, Uganda’s Cranes currently lead the table with six points from three matches, thanks to victories over Guinea (3-0) and Niger (2-0).

Their only setback came in the opening fixture against Algeria, where they lost 3-0. With their last group match set against South Africa in Kampala, the Cranes need just a draw to confirm their passage to the next round.

Algeria, who opened the tournament with a dominant 3-0 win against Uganda, find themselves second on the log with five points after draws against South Africa (1-1) and Guinea (1-1).

They now face bottom-placed Niger who are technically out. On paper, the North Africans are favorites to collect maximum points and book their quarterfinal ticket.

South Africa, tied with Algeria on five points but slightly behind on goal difference, also have everything to play for. Bafana Bafana face Uganda in what could be the group’s decisive clash. A win would see them leapfrog the Cranes and secure qualification regardless of Algeria’s result against Niger.

Guinea, with four points from four matches, remain mathematically eliminated despite showing flashes of brilliance, including their opening victory against Niger and a spirited 1-1 draw with Algeria.

Niger, meanwhile, are bottom with just one point and are already out of contention, having failed to score a single goal in three outings.

The qualification scenarios are simple:  Uganda will qualify with at least a draw against South Africa, Algeria will qualify if they beat Niger and South Africa must win to guarantee progression, though a draw could still see them through depending on Algeria’s result.

Uganda vs South Africa in Kampala will decide whether the Cranes cement their dominance or if Bafana Bafana pull off a late surge. Meanwhile, Algeria will be under pressure to deliver against Niger to avoid a shock exit.