The first leg of the CHAN 2024 qualifiers concluded with a series of compelling matches across the continent.
Several teams have put themselves in strong positions, while others face uphill battles in the return fixtures.
Cote d’Ivoire triumphed 2-0 over Burkina Faso at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, courtesy of a stellar performance by Oumar Konate, who netted both goals. In Bamako, they will look to defend their advantage in the second leg.
South Sudan edged Rwanda 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Goals by Malish Mandela and Ezibon, along with an own goal by Nsabimana, secured the win.
Rwanda’s Muhire and Didier kept the contest alive, setting up an intriguing return leg in Kigali.
In Monrovia, Senegal and Liberia shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Seydina Mbaye opened the scoring for Senegal, but Bility’s equaliser kept the Liberians in contention for the second leg in Dakar.
Elsewhere, Sudan clinched a 2-0 away victory against Ethiopia, while Mauritania and Cameroon earned narrow wins, defeating Mali and the Central African Republic 1-0, respectively.
Nigeria and Ghana’s encounter in Accra ended in a goalless draw, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
The second-leg fixtures begin on 25 December, with teams aiming to secure their places in CHAN 2024. Strong home performances could prove decisive as the qualification race heats up.