The CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) has reached a decisive phase, with five teams now officially eliminated from contention. Zambia, Angola, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic have been knocked out of the tournament, following a series of group-stage clashes. The most recent exits came on Thursday, as Zambia and Angola suffered defeats in critical matches against Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), respectively.
Morocco delivered a dominant performance in Group A, securing a 3-1 victory over Zambia. The outcome left the Zambian squad languishing at the bottom of the group, having failed to earn a single point after three matches. Angola fared marginally better, concluding their campaign in fourth place with four points from four games after falling 2-0 to the DRC.
The results have reshaped the group standings, with Kenya emerging as the frontrunner in Group A. The East African team leads with seven points from three matches, narrowly ahead of second-placed Morocco and third-placed DRC, both holding six points from the same number of games. While Morocco and the DRC remain in contention for advancement, Zambia and Angola join Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic in departing the competition early.
Zambia’s elimination marks a stark reversal of fortunes after their historic triumph in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Their current campaign, however, has been marred by defensive vulnerabilities and an inability to convert chances, culminating in three consecutive losses. Angola’s exit, though less dramatic, underscores the fierce competition in a group where even mid-table teams face slim margins for error.
The tournament, which features exclusively homegrown African talent, has seen surprises and setbacks across its groups. Nigeria’s ousting, for instance, came as a disappointment to fans of the Super Eagles, who were widely tipped as strong contenders. Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic, meanwhile, struggled to gain traction in their fixtures, exiting without significant points.
As the group stage progresses, attention shifts to the remaining matches, where teams like Kenya, Morocco, and the DRC will aim to consolidate their positions. The outcomes will determine who advances to the knockout rounds, with qualification often hinging on goal differentials and head-to-head results in tightly contested pools.
For the eliminated squads, the focus now turns to rebuilding strategies and addressing gaps exposed during the tournament. Analysts suggest that early exits in competitions like CHAN often prompt federations to reevaluate player development programs and tactical approaches. While the five ousted teams regroup, the spotlight remains on those still vying for continental glory in Africa’s premier competition for locally based players.
