The African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers saw surprising turns over the weekend, with Malawi and Gambia punching above their weight in critical first-leg encounters.
Malawi stunned regional giants South Africa with a late goal in Lilongwe, as 31-year-old Zeliat Nkhoma rose to the occasion in the 88th minute, heading home the winner from a corner. The decisive moment gave the Flames a narrow 1–0 advantage going into the second leg in Pretoria on June 11.
Meanwhile in Bakau, Gambia held Algeria to a 0–0 draw, delivering a morale-boosting performance in their first home fixture in years due to previous stadium compliance issues. Despite fielding a squad packed with players from top-tier domestic sides like league leaders Mouloudia Alger, Algeria failed to break down a disciplined Gambian side. It was the third consecutive clean sheet for the Scorpions, who eliminated Gabon via penalties in the previous round.
The stakes remain high as the winners of these ties will advance to the 2025 CHAN finals, hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2–30. Should Malawi and Gambia hold their ground, they will join Group C alongside Uganda, Niger, and Guinea. Meanwhile, reigning champions Senegal headline Group D, which also includes Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Sudan the only group with four teams.
The return legs are set to offer plenty of drama as underdogs look to seal historic qualifications.
