TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know your team
File Fact: Nickname: Bafana Bafana
Total Appearances:
Three (2011, 2014, 2025)
Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 (Did not qualify)
Titles: 0
FIFA Ranking: 56
Coach: Molefe Ntseki
Captain: Neo Maema
South Africa Eye First Knockout Spot At TotalEnergies CHAN
Having qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for only the fourth time, South Africa will be hoping to finally break their group-stage curse and go deeper into the tournament.
Bafana Bafana's CHAN journey has been a mixed one. Their best performance came in 2014 on home soil when they made it out of the group stages but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria.
Since then, they've struggled to make a meaningful impact, with disappointing campaigns in 2016 and failure to qualify in 2018 and 2022. This year, South Africa return with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country's domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage.
Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they've never reached the semi-final stage. This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history.
What To Expect:
There is cautious optimism around this Bafana Bafana team, which features domestic league standouts and emerging stars the lower division. With more technical depth and attacking flair than in previous editions, expectations are that Ntseki's side will aim to at least make the knockout phase.
Fan Zone:
Did you know? South Africa's only senior continental title came at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 1996 on home soil. Since then, the country has been chasing another major trophy at senior level. While CHAN is not contested with overseas-based players, it remains a prestigious platform, especially for homegrown talent seeking to break into the senior Bafana Bafana squad for future TotalEnergies CAF AFCON or World Cup campaigns.
How They Qualified:
South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round. Under the guidance of coach Molefi, the squad impressed over both legs with attacking intent and solid defensive shape.
Key Player To Watch: Neo Maema
The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances. His influence was vital as Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the next edition of the CHAN.
Know The Coach: Know The Coach: Molefi Ntseki
Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad. The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA's youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams.
Known for his tactical discipline and deep knowledge of domestic football, Ntseki is seen as a coach who can get the best out of locally-based players. His focus on structured build-up play and defensive organisation will be key in South Africa's quest to make it past the group stage for just the second time in TotalEnergies CAF CHAN history.
Past CHAN Performances: 2011 (Sudan): Group Stage Exit
Group Stage Exit 2013 (South Africa): Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria)
Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) 2016 (Rwanda): Did Not Qualify
Did Not Qualify 2019 (Morocco) Did not qualify
Did not qualify 2022 (Algeria): Did not qualify
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know your team
File Fact: Nickname: Bafana Bafana Total Appearances: Three (2011, 2014, 2025) Last Appearance: Algeria 2022 (Did not qualify) Titles: 0 FIFA Ranking: 56 Coach: Molefe Ntseki Captain: Neo Maema South Africa Eye First Knockout Spot At TotalEnergies CHAN Having qualified for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for only the fourth time, South Africa will be hoping to finally break their group-stage curse and go deeper into the tournament. Bafana Bafana's CHAN journey has been a mixed one. Their best performance came in 2014 on home soil when they made it out of the group stages but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria. Since then, they've struggled to make a meaningful impact, with disappointing campaigns in 2016 and failure to qualify in 2018 and 2022. This year, South Africa return with renewed intent and a squad selected from the country's domestic-based players, giving a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage. Despite hosting the tournament in 2014, they've never reached the semi-final stage. This year presents a big opportunity to rewrite that history. What To Expect: There is cautious optimism around this Bafana Bafana team, which features domestic league standouts and emerging stars the lower division. With more technical depth and attacking flair than in previous editions, expectations are that Ntseki's side will aim to at least make the knockout phase. Fan Zone: Did you know? South Africa's only senior continental title came at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 1996 on home soil. Since then, the country has been chasing another major trophy at senior level. While CHAN is not contested with overseas-based players, it remains a prestigious platform, especially for homegrown talent seeking to break into the senior Bafana Bafana squad for future TotalEnergies CAF AFCON or World Cup campaigns. How They Qualified: South Africa sealed their spot at the finals after a dominant 2-1 aggregate win over Malawi in the final qualification round. Under the guidance of coach Molefi, the squad impressed over both legs with attacking intent and solid defensive shape. Key Player To Watch: Neo Maema The Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder is a visionary player who is renowned for both creating and finishing off scoring chances. His influence was vital as Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the next edition of the CHAN. Know The Coach: Know The Coach: Molefi Ntseki Molefi Ntseki returns to the national team fold with the responsibility of guiding Bafana Bafana's CHAN squad. The 54-year-old previously served as head coach of the senior national team from 2019 to 2021, having also worked extensively within SAFA's youth structures, including the U17 and U20 teams. Known for his tactical discipline and deep knowledge of domestic football, Ntseki is seen as a coach who can get the best out of locally-based players. His focus on structured build-up play and defensive organisation will be key in South Africa's quest to make it past the group stage for just the second time in TotalEnergies CAF CHAN history. Past CHAN Performances: 2011 (Sudan): Group Stage Exit Group Stage Exit 2013 (South Africa): Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) Quarter-final (Lost to Nigeria) 2016 (Rwanda): Did Not Qualify Did Not Qualify 2019 (Morocco) Did not qualify Did not qualify 2022 (Algeria): Did not qualify
See - Sada Elbalad
16 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Contract with Al-Nassr Until 2027
H-Tayea Saudi club Al-Nassr has officially announced the contract extension of Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, confirming that the 40-year-old forward will continue with the team until 2027. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, was initially set to see his contract expire on June 30, 2025. The extension adds two more years to his stay with the club, marking a continued chapter in his Middle Eastern football journey. In a post on the club's official X (formerly Twitter) account, Al-Nassr shared a video of Ronaldo standing on a beach with the caption: "Al-Nassr forever. The journey continues with our legendary captain." The announcement was followed by a photo of Ronaldo and club president Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Majed holding a personalized jersey with '2027' printed on the back, symbolizing the new deal. Ronaldo has been instrumental in Al-Nassr's recent campaigns and remains a central figure both on and off the pitch for the club and Saudi football's global ambitions. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
City must be ready to 'suffer' in Orlando heat: Guardiola
Both City and Juventus have the maximum six points from their opening two games and have booked their place in the last 16 but top spot remains up for grabs. The heat, which has caused problems at several venues, is expected to be around 33 degrees celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) for the game at Camping World Stadium which kicks off at 3pm local time. Guardiola suggested his team line-up would be made with multiple second half changes in mind. "I'm making the selection tomorrow [Thursday] thinking about the second half because in these conditions we can't play at our rhythm," he told reporters. "But all the teams have to handle it, so it is what it is. For the next World Cup, people will know [about] it already, but we have to be ready to suffer. My advice to people is to bring water, hats and towels," he added. Guardiola has rotated his squad so far in the tournament and will be without the suspended Rico Lewis and Argentine teenager Claudio Echeverri, who has an ankle injury which is likely to keep him out for the rest of the tournament. The Spaniard addressed a viral video which showed the City manager playing beach football with some of the players near the team's base hotel in Boca Raton, South Florida. Guardiola said it was simply a case of balancing the workload for his team after a long season. "The end of the season was so demanding emotionally. It wasn't the best for consistency and results. I decided we'd do good training but let the players relax for the rest of the day," he said. "If they want to play golf, go to the pool, on a day off be with their families (that's fine) – otherwise it would be so difficult mentally. It's to keep it fresh in the training sessions, not expending energy before the games because it would be so tough. We didn't lose physical condition after the season. "Some went to their national teams and didn't have days off. It's maintaining (fitness) and relaxing. We have 11 months ahead of us. I decided for them to do whatever they want," he said. Juve boss Igor Tudor said he may make some switches to his starting line-up but insisted that did not mean his team had anything in mind other than victory. As things stand, the team who finish second in the group are likely to face Real Madrid in the last 16. "We will definitely change something, but we want to play a serious game and win, fielding players who can help us achieve this goal," said the Croatian. "The lads are motivated and eager, everyone wants to play. Those who will not play from the start will disappointed, because everyone wants to play these games," he added. "Manchester City are a team that has dominated for years, led by the best coach in the world. It will be a game in which we give everything, we will play our football, they will play theirs and we will see what the final result will be," he added. Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
