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Niger Holds Off South Africa and Keeps Qualification Hopes Alive in Group C
Published: Friday, 15 August 2025
On the evening of Friday, August 15, Niger held their ground against South Africa, securing a goalless draw (0-0) in a match played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. The game was part of the fourth round of Group C in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), "TotalEnergies Bamoja 2024," for local players.
Niger, entering the match with no points, surprised the "Bafana Bafana," who had 4 points and aimed for a victory to top the group and move closer to the quarterfinals.
VAR Denies Two Penalty Decisions for "Bafana Bafana"
Both teams approached the game cautiously, with the opening phase marked by mutual restraint. In the 18th minute, the referee Bouchra Kerboubi awarded a penalty to South Africa but overturned the decision after a VAR review. Despite some attempts from both sides, neither team managed to score in the first 45 minutes, highlighted by the solid defense of coach Harouna Doula's squad.
In stoppage time, the referee again consulted VAR to assess a possible penalty for South Africa but ultimately decided not to award it. The first half ended as it began, goalless.
Second-Half Substitutions Bring No Impact
The second half followed a similar pattern, with South Africa pressing hard to open the scoring but Niger's defense holding firm. Coaches Murfy Ntseki (South Africa) and Harouna Doula (Niger) made several substitutions, particularly in attack, but none bore fruit. The game ended in a draw, a result welcomed by Niger, who were already eliminated, but disappointing for South Africa.
What Does This Result Mean?
The draw added one point to both teams' tallies in Group C. South Africa now has 5 points, the same as Algeria, who hold an advantage on goal difference. Niger earned their first point of the tournament after two defeats but remain bottom of the group.
Host nation Uganda remains on top of Group C with 6 points, despite sitting out this round.
Three Teams Compete for a Quarterfinal Spot
The results in this round keep the race for the quarterfinals open for three teams, following the confirmed elimination of Guinea and Niger. No team has yet secured qualification, setting up a decisive final round between Algeria, South Africa, and Uganda.
South Africa will face host Uganda in a crucial match where both must win to ensure qualification. Meanwhile, Algeria has the upper hand, needing just a draw against already-eliminated Niger to advance.
