Kenya and Tanzania have secured spots in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finals, becoming the tournament’s first nations to advance from the group stage. The development comes as both teams dominate their respective groups with decisive performances and strategic advantages, setting the stage for intense final matches to determine remaining qualifiers.
In Group A, Kenya’s Harambee Stars claimed their quarter-final berth with a game to spare following a pivotal 2-0 victory by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over Angola on Thursday. The outcome placed Kenya at the top of the standings with seven points. Morocco trails closely in second place with six points after defeating Zambia 3-1 earlier the same day, while DR Congo also holds six points but ranks third due to goal difference. Kenya’s path was cemented by earlier 1-0 wins against both Morocco and DR Congo, granting them a critical head-to-head advantage over their closest rivals. With one group match remaining this weekend, Morocco and DR Congo will face off in a high-stakes clash, where the winner will join Kenya in advancing.
Meanwhile, Tanzania emerged as the first team across all groups to confirm their place in the knockout phase. Topping Group B with an unassailable nine points, the Tanzanian squad has showcased remarkable consistency, securing three consecutive victories with a game still left to play. Their early qualification highlights their dominance in a tournament where progression often hinges on narrow margins.
The CHAN tournament, reserved for players competing in their home countries’ domestic leagues, has drawn attention to emerging talents across the continent. Kenya’s resurgence in the competition—after failing to qualify in 2020—marks a significant turnaround, while Tanzania’s flawless run signals their growing stature in African football. Both teams now look ahead to the quarter-finals, where they will aim to surpass their previous tournament records. Kenya’s best finish dates back to 2018, when they reached the group stage, while Tanzania advanced to the quarter-finals in 2020.
As Morocco and DR Congo prepare for their decisive Group A encounter, the broader tournament narrative underscores the competitive balance within African football. With multiple teams still vying for progression, the final group-stage matches promise to deliver drama, showcasing the tactical grit that defines the continent’s premier domestic-based competition.
