CHAN 2024: Niger crash out as South Africa hold firm in Namboole stalemate

Niger’s hopes of advancing at the 2024 CHAN Championship were extinguished on Friday after being held to a goalless draw by South Africa in a tense, end-to-end Group C encounter staged at Namboole Stadium, Uganda.

The result, while keeping South Africa in the hunt for a quarter-final berth, confirmed Niger’s early exit from the tournament after collecting just a single point from three matches with one game still to play.

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For the West Africans, it was a familiar story of missed chances and cruel near-misses, while South Africa’s resilience ensured they stayed level on five points with Algeria, keeping the qualification equation wide open.

From the outset, Niger ,bottom and winless in the group ,charged forward with intent, forcing South Africa onto the back foot.

Inside five minutes, Abdoul Latif Djibril’s long-range strike was well handled by goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.

Moments later, Moussa Kassa’s fierce drive from the left flank was again smothered by the sharp South African custodian.

South Africa thought they had a golden chance to take the lead in the 15th minute when referee Bouchra Karbuobi initially awarded them a penalty after Ibrahim Hamadou was brought down by Ridouane Assane.

However, a VAR review overturned the decision, replays showing the Niger defender had cleanly won the ball.

Niger almost capitalised immediately after the reprieve, with Samaila Danja’s surging run and volley flashing narrowly wide.

South Africa responded in the 23rd minute through Keagan Dolly’s teasing delivery, but Niger captain Mohamed Moumouni’s crucial interception spared his side.

Both teams created opportunities in a pulsating first half. Djibril skied a close-range effort from Kassa’s cross, while South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela saw his acrobatic overhead kick blocked in desperate fashion.

Danja again tested Xulu from a free kick, forcing the keeper into an awkward punch.

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In stoppage time before the break, Niger survived a frantic double save from Kassali, who first parried Kutumela’s shot and then blocked the rebound before Adamou Ibrahim cleared danger. The half ended scoreless but brimming with drama.

The restart mirrored the first half’s intensity. Within a minute, Dolly’s powerful shot was palmed away by Kassali, who remained Niger’s standout performer.

South Africa squandered another gilt-edged chance when Harouna Talet was denied by a last-ditch block from Mohamed Papa Baye.

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Niger pushed back, with Kassa latching onto a long pass but failing to hit the target.

South Africa’s Tebogo Tlonane nearly forced an own goal, while Kutumela rolled an effort agonisingly past the post.

The biggest scare for South Africa came in the 75th minute when Moumouni’s bouncing header struck the crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd. Substitute Ahamat Ben Hameda went close late on, but his effort drifted inches wide, sealing Niger’s fate.

The draw means South Africa remain firmly in contention for a quarter-final place, tied with Algeria on five points behind leaders Guinea while Niger effectively eliminated despite a game spare to play.