In a tense, tactically charged clash, Niger and South Africa played to a 0-0 draw on Matchday 4 of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The result leaves both teams with unfinished business: Niger earned their first point, while South Africa will have to wait to secure their quarterfinal spot.

Tight match, balanced stats

The game was defined by parity and mutual respect. Niger registered 11 shots, but only two were on target. South Africa proved more accurate, with 9 total attempts and 5 on goal.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Molefi Ntseki, dominated possession for most of the match with 62% and completed 435 passes compared to Harouna Doulla’s side’s 261. However, their control of the game failed to produce a breakthrough.

Group C implications

For Niger, the draw ended a two-match losing streak in the tournament and kept a slim chance of advancing alive. Seventeen-year-old Abdeljelil Ahamat once again stood out as one of the squad’s most promising talents, bringing energy to midfield and creativity in attack.

For South Africa, the point puts them on 5, still in a qualifying position, but without mathematical certainty. Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele admitted that while the aim was to secure qualification with a win, the draw keeps their hopes intact heading into the final group match.

The head-to-head record still favors the South Africans, with two wins and two draws, but this latest 0-0 evokes memories of CHAN 2011, when Niger eliminated the Bafana Bafana with the same scoreline.

With the group still wide open and plenty at stake, the closing round promises high tension. Niger will look to build on this momentum, while South Africa aims to avoid letting a seemingly secure qualification slip away.