With the second round of group stage matches at this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda having been played, the picture of who will be continuing on in the knock-out rounds is becoming clearer.
The CHAN is the equivalent of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but is only played by those who are based within Africa as opposed to the regular national teams who in many cases have players based in leagues throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Below is a round-up of the results:
Uganda 0-1 Zambia
Zambia earned qualification to the quarter-finals of the competition thanks to a Christopher Katongo goal which saw his team defeat Uganda 1-0. With the Cranes on one point and Mali on four, the Zambians have guaranteed progression with their six point haul, and will await the final group stage games to determine the top two spots in Group D.
Zimbabwe 0-1 Mali
Zimbabwe fell at the hands of Mali in their Group D encounter, losing 1-0 to the Malians after a Moussa Sissoko’s close range volley made sure of their place in the final eight of the competition. The Southern Africans have lost both matches in the 2016 CHAN, and have no chance of progressing further.
Niger 2-2 Guinea
Both Niger and Guinea are still in with a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals following their 2-2 draw on Friday. The Mena opened the scoring through Youssouf Alio on 30 minutes, before an equaliser for the Syli Nationale through Aboubacar Sylla. In the second half Niger took the lead through Moussa Issa, but once again matters were levelled as substitute Aboubacar Bangoura scored with a powerful strike to end the game in a draw.
Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria
Group C is yet to be decided, but Nigeria top the group on four points following their 1-1 draw with Tunisia. Ahmed Akaichi’s 70th minute equaliser cancelled out Chisom Chikatara’s opening goal in Nyamirambo, as both players continued their scoring form from their first group stage games, but without enabling their teams to win.
Cameroon 0-0 Ethiopia
The match between Cameroon and Ethiopia ended goalless after 90 minutes, allowing both teams to share the spoils and take a point each from the fixture. The result was kind for the Cameroonians, who have guaranteed progression to the knockout stages from Group B, while Ethiopia can no longer progress.
Congo DR 4-2 Angola
Congo DR earned their ticket to the quarter-finals of the competition with their second win in two games, emerging from the match with a 4-2 victory over Angola. Goals from Nelson Munganga, Meshack Elia and Jonathan Bolingi in the first half set the Congolese up in a good position. In the second half a Meveille Bope goal added to Congo’s tally, while the two goals from Angola came courtesy of Jacinto Muondo Dala and Joel Kimwaki.
Morocco 0-1 Cote D’Ivoire
Group A saw Rwanda ensure qualification, while Cote D’Ivoire’s slim 1-0 victory over Morocco put them on three points, two ahead of Gabon and the North Africans. A penalty from Yannick Zakri gave the Elephants the win in Kigali.
Rwanda 2-1 Gabon
2016 CHAN host nation Rwanda secured their place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a 2-1 victory over Gabon. Striker Ernest Sugira contributed two goals towards his side’s cause, and despite the efforts of Gabon and goal scorer Aaron Boupendza, the East Africans earned another valuable win.
