Discover how the 2024 African Nations Championship group stage unfolds, with quarterfinal dreams alive, shocks looming, and thrilling last-day drama ahead.

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations is coming to its climax as the group stage approaches its final bout of matches.

Already, some teams have secured quarterfinal spots while others are preparing for a jittery final-day showdown.

Harambee Stars clinched their CHAN 2024 quarter-final ticket without kicking a ball on Thursday but how much is their reward from the tournament organisers?

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As Groups A, B, and C prepare to play their fourth games and Group D remains mid-schedule, the drama could not be more heightened.

Group A has been the tightest. Kenya tops with seven points from three matches, still unbeaten with two wins and a draw. They have kept their defense tight, conceding only one goal in the group and have already qualified for quarterfinals.

In their wake are Congo DR and Morocco, both on six points. Moroccans have been clinical in their attacks with a +3 goal difference, while Congo DR, with an equal number, has been merciless in attack. The last matches will determine not only qualification but who receives the top seeding to move into the knockout stages.

Angola, on four points after four matches, has already completed its group league. Unfortunately, with Zambia, who have three losses in three, it means their campaigns are over.

Kenya made the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals early, thanks to unexpected Group A results that sealed their fate before final match.

Group B has seen Tanzania become one of the top performing teams in the competition. They are the only clean sheet side so far, winning all three games and amassing nine points with a +4 goal difference. They are already qualified for the quarterfinals.

Mauritania, placed on seven points, also appears set to advance. Having won two games and drawn one, they have been calm and collected.

Madagascar, on four, are also in the running but need to win and have results fall in their favor. Burkina Faso, on three and out of the picture.

Former Chelsea coach Avram Grant, now in charge of Zambia, has highlighted why an African star is the best candidate to win the Ballon d’Or Award.

Bottom, the Central African Republic is already eliminated with three losses in a row.

Group C provides one of the most thrilling finales. Uganda leads the group with six points after three games and has looked sound, racking up a +2 positive goal difference. But they are not through yet.

Both Algeria and South Africa are on five points, making the race wide open. Algeria’s impenetrable defense has been key, with South Africa having been difficult to beat.

Guinea, four points, and out of contention like Niger, with just one point and –3 goal difference, is already out.

African Nations Championship standings#CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/VcQ4MmzWNp

Outlook: Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, and Guinea will battle it out in a four-team fight for two places.

Group D is behind the other groups in terms of fixtures, with all the teams having played two games each.

Sudan is already leading with four points and a +4 goal difference, the most united looking thus far.

Senegal, also on four points, are right behind them, Congo are on two points and remain in contention.

Nigeria has been the greatest disappointment and sit in last place with zero points and a –5 goal difference and have been eliminated from contention.

Outlook: Sudan and Senegal are in the driver’s seat, Congo is still in the running.