South Africa and Algeria battle for CHAN Group C top spot

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024

Group C

Today

Guinea v Algeria 5pm

Niger v South Africa 8pm

South Africa and Algeria will both be gunning for the top spot in Group C of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 when they face Niger and Guinea respectively today at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The two sides start the day level on four points with Algeria in second place and South Africa in third, both trailing group leaders Uganda by two points.

The Cranes, who have six points from three matches, will not be in action today but will be keeping a close watch, as the results could shape their own quarterfinal fate.

Victory for either Algeria or South Africa would take them to seven points, placing them in a strong position heading into Monday’s decisive final group matches to be guaranteed a top-two finish and progress to the knockout stage.

Algeria, who opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Uganda before drawing 1-1 with South Africa, have enjoyed a full week of rest.

In that period, they also beat KCCA FC 2-0 in a friendly at FUFA Stadium in Mengo. Their opponents, Guinea, are already on the brink of elimination after one victory and two defeats, 3-0 to Uganda and 2-1 to South Africa. The Syli Nationale must win today to cling to any faint hopes of qualification.

Meanwhile, South Africa head into their clash with winless Niger as favourites, but they will be wary of any upsets.

It is important to recall that during their 2-1 victory over Guinea four days ago, Bafana Bafana were surprisingly outplayed for long stretches and were fortunate to walk away with maximum points. Niger, also pointless after losses to Uganda and Guinea, will be fighting for survival and pride.

For Uganda, the ideal scenario would be for Niger and Guinea to either defeat or hold Algeria and South Africa to draws, results that would significantly boost the Cranes’ chances of topping the group.