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CAF is considering a wildcard mini-tournament to determine if South Africa and Gambia could still join CHAN 2024.
South Africa and The Gambia could still qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament scheduled to take place in East Africa from February 1 to 28, despite both nations initially withdrawing from the qualifiers.
The eighth edition of the CHAN tournament, which features teams composed of players from their domestic leagues, is set to be hosted across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
In a surprising turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is exploring the possibility of a mini-tournament to fill the two remaining wildcard slots for the championship.
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This decision comes after several high-profile withdrawals, including Egypt, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia, due to congested domestic football calendars.
South Africa’s potential return to the tournament is particularly unexpected given that the South African Football Association (SAFA) had informed CAF in 2024 of their inability to assemble a team for the CHAN qualifiers.
"SAFA has no comment on the matter," was the official response from the football body when Pulse Sports sought clarity on the latest developments.
The mini-tournament could see South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Malawi, Gabon, Comoros, and Gambia compete for the two remaining spots.
Indications suggest that Algeria and Egypt are likely to send their U20 teams, which may prompt South Africa to do the same, especially as the event aligns with Amajita's preparations for the U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in April 2025.
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The potential participation of junior teams has injected excitement into the CHAN qualification process, providing a unique opportunity for these young squads to gain international experience.
For South Africa, this could be a silver lining after their initial withdrawal, as it offers Amajita a chance to sharpen their skills ahead of the continental U20 tournament.
The absence of traditional CHAN powerhouses from North Africa and the uncertainty surrounding South Africa’s involvement have left the tournament organizers scrambling to maintain its commercial and competitive appeal.
According to reports, this has also made it challenging to secure lucrative broadcast deals, which are vital for the tournament's financial success.
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The CHAN tournament is a significant event for East Africa, offering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania an opportunity to showcase their footballing infrastructure and hosting capabilities.
However, the absence of big teams has raised concerns about the tournament’s marketability.
Kenyan football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the draw scheduled for January 15 in Nairobi.
“This tournament is not just about football; it’s about bringing the continent together,” said a CAF official involved in the preparations told Pulse Sports.
“We are confident the wildcard process will bring excitement to CHAN 2024.”
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For fans in East Africa, the potential inclusion of South Africa and Gambia adds intrigue to the event. Both nations bring a strong footballing pedigree and could draw more attention to the tournament.
The tournament also offers younger players invaluable exposure on the continental stage, a critical step in developing the next generation of African football stars.
The next few weeks will be crucial as CAF finalizes preparations, and fans wait eagerly to see if South Africa and Egypt can reclaim their spots in this prestigious championship.
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![[VIDEO] Updated progress of Kasarani Stadium ahead of January 20 CAF submittion deadline for CHAN 2024](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/09012025/d3486617-2bc0-4d30-b0df-7a99641620d5.jpeg?operations=fit(600:))
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