Nairobi, Kenya: It is now official that the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy will not remain with any of the three countries co-hosting the tournament. The three countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were beaten in the knockout stages despite playing at home before a mammoth of fans in the stadium.

The Co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan re-wrote history last week when all the four teams entered the quarter final stage by topping in groups stages.

In spite of the three nations topping in their group stages to secure quarter finals, they were all knocked-out for the semi-finals tournament. All East African eyes were left disappointed as Uganda followed Tanzania and Kenya out of CHAN 2024 after quarterfinal defeat.

The co-host Kenya were the first to be eliminated by Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in dramatic circumstances after losing 4-3 on post-match penalties in the quarterfinal. The match ended with a  draw 1-1 after regular and extra time.

Tanzania became the second casualty among the co-hosts after 1-0 defeat by Morocco. Co-hosts Kenya and Tanzania both crashed out of the CHAN 2024 in quarter-finals on Friday 22.

Uganda’s journey at the tournament came to a painful conclusion on Saturday 23 evening, as they fell 1-0 to Senegal in a pulsating quarter-final clash at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Kampala. 

Uganda therefore were third victims to walk out of the tournament at home ground after defending champions Senegal had no mercy with them. 

The three co-hosts; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have failed to go past the quarter final stage at the on-going CHAN 2024. 

Kenya’s Harambee Stars succumbed to a 4-3 defeat on penalties following a 1-1 draw with Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi. Tanzania on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in a match played in Benjamin Mkapa stadium, Dar es Salaam.

After a goalless first half Kenya took the lead through defender Boniface Muchiri after 48 minutes. But Madagascar leveled matters after 66 minutes through Fenohasina Razafimaro who netted from the spot.

Cheered on by the passionate home supporters, the Kenyan team pushed forward in search for more goals, but failed to break the tight Madagascar defending line.

During penalty shoot-outs Madagascar had one opportunity missed, while Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved by Madagascar keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, and Alphonce Omija also missed.

“It was not our day today. I thank the players for playing their hearts out and the fans for giving the team all the support,” said Kenya’s head coach Benni McCarthy after the match.

In Dar es Salaam at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Tanzania created several scoring opportunities, but failed to make them count.

Clement Nzize and attacking midfielder Feisal Salum had some decent opportunities for Taifa Stars, but failed to find the net. After recess Oussama Lamlaoui netted the lone goal for Morocco after 65 minutes.

Hamad Suleiman, the Tanzanian head coach was also proud of his players who reached this far winning three matches, drawing one and losing one. “We congratulate Morocco for advancing to the next level, but I also thank my players for working hard to reach this far,” added Suleiman.

Action shifts to Sudan as they battle it out with Algeria at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar in the last quarter final match. Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane have qualified for the semifinal stage by ejecting Algeria in the last quarter final match played on Saturday 23 night at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

After playing out to a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes, it was Sudan who held their nerves coming out top in the penalty shoot outs winning 4-2.

Sudan benefited from an own goal by Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala after 48 minutes, but 2023 finalists battled back to level matters after 73 minutes through Soufiane Bayazid.

The three co-host nations and fans are now behind Sudan as the only team within East Africa still in the tournament.

Semifinals Fixtures 

Senegal will go on to face Morocco in the first semifinal, set to be played at the same venue on Tuesday 26. While Madagascar will go on to face Sudan in the first semifinal, set to be played at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday 26.