Kampala, Uganda – The Nelson Mandela National Stadium was the stage for an intense and dramatic Group C showdown in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, as Niger and South Africa battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw that leaves both sides with plenty to ponder as the group stage nears its conclusion.
From the opening whistle, both teams exhibited determination and tactical discipline. South Africa started brightly, with Thabiso Kutumela and Keagan Dolly combining well to test Niger’s goalkeeper, Mahamadou Tanja. Tanja responded with composure, producing several key saves to keep his side in the contest. At the other end, Niger’s Abdel Jalil Ahamat and Adamou Djibo came close, their efforts narrowly missing the target in the dying minutes.
The match’s turning point arrived in the first half, when South Africa appealed for a penalty in the 18th minute following a challenge in the box. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee overturned the decision, much to the frustration of the South African players and fans.
The tension only increased from there, with both teams racking up yellow cards in a fiercely contested midfield battle. South Africa’s Neo Maema, Keagan Dolly, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele all found their names in the referee’s book, as did Niger’s Moussa Moudou.
Both sides made several tactical substitutions after halftime in an attempt to shift the balance. South Africa continued to look dangerous on the counterattack, using their pace and quick transitions to threaten the Nigerien defense. Niger, meanwhile, enjoyed periods of dominance from set pieces, winning numerous corners but ultimately failing to convert their aerial chances.
Goalkeepers Samukelo Xulu (South Africa) and Mahamadou Tanja (Niger) emerged as the heroes of the evening. Xulu was called upon to make a sharp save from close range in the second half, while Tanja’s commanding presence and calm distribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
Despite the goalless result, the match was far from lacking in drama or quality. The draw leaves Niger out of contention for the quarter-finals, having earned only one point from three games. South Africa, meanwhile, must regroup and prepare for a crucial final group match against Uganda on Monday, 18th August 2025 at the same venue. Their hopes of advancing now rest on that decisive encounter.
As the dust settles on this evenly matched contest, both teams can take pride in their defensive resilience—but for South Africa, the journey is not over yet. Their fate hangs in the balance as Group C heads toward a thrilling finale.
