Okello, Lamlioui and Kutumela in tight Golden Boot race as CHAN 2024 quarter-finals loom
At the top of the scoring charts are South Africa's Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda's Allan Okello, and Morocco's Oussama Lamlioui – each with three goals to their name.
Their form has not only propelled their teams forward but also lit up the group stage with moments of clinical finishing.
Kutumela carries South Africa's attack
Kutumela has been central to South Africa's forward play, scoring three crucial goals.
His sharp movement and composure in front of goal kept Bafana Bafana in contention until the very last group match.
Despite South Africa's exit, his tally ensures his name remains among the standout performers of the tournament. Okello inspires Uganda's historic run
For Uganda, Allan Okello has been the heartbeat of their attacking play.
His three goals, including decisive finishes in Kampala, helped the Cranes top Group C for the first time in their CHAN history.
With Uganda now set for a huge quarter-final clash against Senegal, Okello's form could yet prove decisive in carrying the co-hosts deeper into the competition.
Lamlioui makes Morocco tick
Morocco's Oussama Lamlioui has equally impressed, finding the net three times during the group stage.
His goals have underpinned Morocco's progress to the quarter-finals, as the Atlas Lions seek a third CHAN crown.
With a heavyweight clash against hosts Tanzania next, Lamlioui will be key to Morocco's ambitions. The chasing pack
Just behind the leading trio are several players on two goals each, including Madagascar's Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Morocco's Mohamed Hrimat, Kenya's Ryan Ogam and Austin Odhiambo, as well as Tanzania's Clement Mzize.
Their contributions underline the depth of attacking talent across the tournament.
With the knockout rounds set to deliver even more drama, the Golden Boot race remains wide open.
As stadiums in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kampala prepare for the quarter-final matches, the forwards in form will have another chance to etch their names into CHAN history. Current Top Scorers – TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 (Quarter-Finals stage)
3 goals: Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa – eliminated)
Allan Okello (Uganda)
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco)
2 goals: Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa (Madagascar)
Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco)
Jephte Kitambala (DR Congo – eliminated)
Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria)
Kaporal (Angola – eliminated)
Clement Mzize (Tanzania)
Austine Odhiambo (Kenya)
Ryan Ogam (Kenya)
Omer Ahmed Abdelraziq (Sudan)
1 goal:
(A full list includes 50+ names across Algeria, Uganda, Guinea, Zambia, Tanzania, Sudan, South Africa, Mauritania, Senegal, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Nigeria, etc.These players remain in contention should they extend their tally in the coming rounds.)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
5 hours ago
- CAF
Five matches that defined TotalEnergies CHAN 2024's group stage drama
The group stage of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will go down in history as a festival of unpredictability, last-gasp winners, and stories of national pride. Hosted across three nations — Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda — the tournament showcased not just football but the spirit of African resilience and passion. From the roars of Nairobi to the chants in Dar es Salaam and the frenzy in Kampala, the opening phase of the tournament gave fans a rollercoaster ride. . Among dozens of games, five stood out — matches that told the tale of hope, heartbreak, and triumph, defining the group stage in unforgettable ways. (Group A: Kenya 1-0 Morocco) - McCarthy's Kenya announce themselves with Morocco scalp Nairobi witnessed history when Kenya opened their campaign against giants Morocco. Guided by Benni McCarthy — a UEFA Champions League winner and South Africa's all-time top scorer — Kenya played with heart and conviction. Ryan Ogam's 42nd-minute strike proved decisive. Even after Chrispine Erambo's red card, Kenya defended as if the nation's pride was on their shoulders. For McCarthy, it was a perfect home debut and a statement that Kenya were not just here to host, but to compete. (Group B: Tanzania 1-0 Mauritania) - Tanzania's late magic lights up Dar es Salaam At the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Taifa Stars scripted their own fairy tale. A tense clash against Mauritania seemed destined for stalemate until the 89th minute, when veteran Shomari Kapombe struck after a brilliant Iddy Nado move. That goal didn't just win the game — it sealed Tanzania's place in the knockout stages and unleashed wild celebrations. It was proof of the power of home support and a reminder that in tournaments like CHAN, one late moment can rewrite everything. (Group C: Uganda 3-3 South Africa) - A six-goal classic in Kampala If one game embodied the drama of CHAN 2024, it was Uganda's 3-3 draw with South Africa. The Cranes led through Jude Ssemugabi but were stunned by a South African blitz — three goals from Mphahlele, Kutumela, and Ndlondlo. All looked lost until the 90th minute. Allan Okello held his nerve from the penalty spot, and in the 96th minute Rogers Torach sent Kampala into chaos with another. The draw not only gave Uganda top spot in Group C but also delivered their first-ever progression beyond the group stage — a milestone wrapped in sheer drama. (Group D: Sudan 4-0 Nigeria) - Sudan humiliate Nigeria in Zanzibar Zanzibar played host to one of the shocks of the tournament as Sudan thrashed Nigeria 4-0. A nightmare began for the Super Eagles with Leonard Ngenge's own goal, followed by Walieldin Khidir's penalty. The second half was even more brutal, as Abdelrazig Omer Yagoub scored twice in quick succession. Nigeria — once considered favorites — crashed out, while Sudan emerged as one of the surprise packages, their ruthless efficiency rewriting expectations. (Group D: Angola 2-1 Zambia) - Angola's comeback fuels COSAFA rivalry The Angola-Zambia derby is always intense, but CHAN 2024 delivered another memorable chapter. Zambia struck first, seemingly in control. Yet Angola refused to bow. A slick Vá-Danilson combination brought the equalizer, and then Depú's late strike flipped the script. The 2-1 win revived Angola's qualification hopes and reinforced the COSAFA rivalry, cementing the clash as one of the group stage's most gripping spectacles. A group stage to remember From heroic underdogs to heavyweight collapses, CHAN 2024's group stage offered everything. These five matches weren't just games — they were stories of identity, pride, and resilience, embodying why African football is so loved worldwide.
CAF
5 hours ago
- CAF
Toldo: The veteran goalkeeper who turned Madagascar into an African wall
In a tournament dominated by footballing giants and regional heavyweights, Madagascar entered the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 as the only representative from Southern Africa. Alone on the map, they carried the pride of a region and the resilience of an island nation accustomed to fighting against the odds. At the centre of this story stands 39-year-old Ramandimbisoa Lalain'arijaka Michel—better known across Africa as 'Toldo.' A Guardian Who Refused to Fall Toldo has been nothing short of extraordinary. Playing every single minute of the group stage, the Elgeco Plus goalkeeper became the immovable object that opposition strikers simply could not ignore. 360 minutes of football guarded with calm authority. 15 saves that defined matches. Two clean sheets that steadied Malagasy hopes. Three consecutive TotalEnergies Man of the Match awards that crowned his dominance. From start to finish, he was the living wall between Madagascar and elimination. Defying the Odds, Match by Match The defining moment came against Mauritania. Reduced to ten men, Madagascar looked vulnerable, but Toldo transformed pressure into a personal stage. Save after save, he dragged his side to a goalless draw. The next encounter with the Central African Republic followed the same script—poise, bravery, and another best player accolade. Against Burkina Faso, he raised the bar further with seven crucial saves, sealing a 2-1 win that punched their ticket to the quarter-finals. Only hosts Tanzania managed to breach his guard, scoring twice. But even in defeat, his leadership and resilience stood out. 'For My People' 'I feel deeply honoured. Receiving this award three times is not by chance, but the result of hard work and the team's collective effort. ,' Toldo said, his voice echoing the gratitude of a nation in an interview with "I dedicate this recognition to my family and to all the Malagasy people." The Club That Forged a Leader Toldo's story cannot be told without Elgeco Plus, Madagascar's reigning champions. Fresh from winning the Pureplay Football League and the Madagascar Cup, the club embodies the same spirit of continuity and resilience that Toldo displays on the field. Together, they have carved a space of ambition for Malagasy football. Pride of an Island, Spirit of a Continent For Madagascar, success at CHAN is not unfamiliar. The Bareas reached the quarter-finals of CAN 2019 and earned a third-place finish at CHAN 2022. But this year feels different. This time, they stand alone as COSAFA's sole representative, carrying the hopes of a region. 'The most remarkable moment was, without a doubt, our qualification for the quarter-finals. It is a great source of pride for us and for Madagascar,' Toldo reflected. History Written in Gloves What makes this journey remarkable is not just the saves or the statistics, but the story of a 39-year-old goalkeeper refusing to let go of his dream. For Madagascar, Toldo has been more than a player; he has been a symbol—a reminder that insularity does not mean isolation, but rather a platform for boldness. 'It was a historic performance. It shows that Madagascar is progressing and has a place among the top teams. We will give everything to go even further.' As CHAN 2024 advances, one truth remains: at the heart of Madagascar's journey is Toldo—the veteran who turned an island into a fortress, and solitude into glory.
CAF
9 hours ago
- CAF
McCarthy: ‘Stay Calm' as Kenya face Madagascar in historic quarter-final
Kenya's Harambee Stars stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Madagascar in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Friday. For the first time in 38 years, the Stars will line up in the knockout phase of a major continental competition. The buzz in Nairobi is electric, but head coach Benni McCarthy has one message for his players: keep calm. 'This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country as well,' McCarthy said on Thursday. 'None of these players has ever been at this stage before, so the most important thing is to stay calm and not let the weight of the moment overwhelm us.' Learning from a tough group Kenya arrive unbeaten after four matches at Kasarani, collecting 10 points through three wins and a draw. Their strong group-stage showing has built belief, but McCarthy knows Madagascar — fresh from topping a group that included Morocco and DR Congo — present a different kind of challenge. 'We know we're up against a tough opponent. But if you look at the opposition we faced in our group, it wasn't easy either. That gives us confidence,' he explained. 'We've studied Madagascar well and we have a plan. Our focus is to take the game step by step, stay disciplined, and give our best.' Eyes on the semifinal Kenya's players are also keen to keep emotions in check. Defender Daniel Sakari insists the team will not allow the occasion or outside noise to cloud their focus. 'We're not distracted by the noise from fans or social media,' the Kenya Police FC right-back said. 'Our eyes are firmly on the game. We've analyzed Madagascar and we know what to expect. The target is clear: to get a result and reach the semifinals. We'll play to our strengths and exploit their weaknesses.' Madagascar's fearless spirit Madagascar are no strangers to making headlines on the continental stage. They reached the semifinals in CHAN 2022 in Algeria, eventually claiming bronze. Head coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe believes that history gives his team the confidence to face Kenya, even in front of a partisan Kasarani crowd. 'We're here because of hard work, and facing Kenya at home will be tough. But that motivates us even more,' Rakotondrabe said. 'Kenya are strong technically and tactically, very compact and quick in transition. It won't be easy, but this is a quarterfinal — anything can happen, even away from home.' His forward, Nantenaina 'Tony' Elysee Randriamanampisoa, was equally bullish: 'We know it will be a difficult atmosphere with the fans behind Kenya, but we see it as motivation. Our focus is to win and continue making history.' Different settings, same ambitions While Kenya have thrived on home soil, Madagascar will need to adapt after playing all their group matches in Dar es Salaam. Rakotondrabe noted his side has already adjusted to Nairobi's weather and altitude in the past two days, adding: 'My players are ready for battle.' As Kasarani prepares for a night of deafening noise, both teams know they are 90 minutes away from rewriting their footballing story. For Kenya, it could mean ending a near four-decade wait for knockout success. For Madagascar, it could be the continuation of a fairytale journey that shows no sign of slowing down.
