The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2025 qualification featured Malawi’s 2-0 win over Comoros and South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Egypt. Gambia and Gabon played to a 0-0 stalemate. Key returning fixtures are scheduled for March 8 and 9, where teams will contend for qualification to the tournament.
The initial leg of the second qualification stage for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 concluded with significant outcomes shaping the path forward. Malawi secured a notable 2-0 victory against Comoros, while South Africa fought hard to achieve a 1-1 draw with Egypt. Additionally, Gambia and Gabon played to a stalemate, ending at 0-0 in their match on Friday.
In a commanding performance, Malawi clinched a 2-0 win over Comoros during their away match. The visitors took the lead in the 44th minute with Binwell Katinji capitalizing on defensive errors, putting Malawi ahead just before halftime. Despite Comoros’s second-half efforts to find the net, their attempts were thwarted by a steadfast Malawian defense, culminating in a late goal from Zebron Kalima that confirmed the victory.
On the other hand, South Africa managed to battle back against Egypt, ending their match in a 1-1 draw. Coach Molefi Ntseki’s squad displayed attacking prowess, led by players such as Monnapule Saleng and Neo Maema. Egypt took the lead in the 75th minute with a striking goal from Hassan Abdelaal. However, Jamie Webber responded for South Africa with a powerful shot, leveling the match before the final whistle.
The opening match of the round saw Gambia and Gabon finish in a goalless draw. Gabon’s strong defense allowed them to leave with a favorable result, maintaining an edge ahead of the return leg in which they will host Gambia. With these initial leg results now concluded, all six competing teams prepare for critical second-leg fixtures that will determine their progression.
The outcomes of the first leg are as follows: Gambia 0-0 Gabon, Comoros 0-2 Malawi, and South Africa 1-1 Egypt. Looking ahead, Malawi will face Comoros in the return leg on March 8, Gabon will host Gambia on the same day, and Egypt will take on South Africa on March 9, 2025. The upcoming matches hold significant implications for the quest for qualification in CHAN 2025.
The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2025 qualifiers showcased critical matches with Malawi prevailing over Comoros and South Africa drawing with Egypt. With decisive second-leg encounters on the horizon, teams are poised for intense competition as they vie for advancement. The next matches will be pivotal in determining the outcome of teams’ recruitment into the tournament.
Original Source: www.cafonline.com
