CHAN 2024 Group C kicks off in Kampala with Niger vs Guinea at Namboole

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

August 2-30

Today

Group C

Niger v Guinea 5pm

Uganda v Algeria 8pm

Group C action of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 gets underway today at 5pm at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as Niger takes on Guinea in the first of two fixtures lined up in Uganda, one of the three co-hosts of this historic tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

This marks Kampala's turn to shine after colourful opening ceremonies and matches in Dar es Salaam on Saturday and Nairobi on Sunday.

With the spotlight now on Namboole, fans will be eager to see how Uganda stages its first games of the championship.

Guinea's last training at Mandela National Stadium. PHOTOS: Ismail Mulangwa

Niger, under the guidance of head coach Harouna Doula Gabde, return to CHAN hoping to replicate or better their impressive semi-final finish in the last edition held in Algeria in 2022. This is their sixth appearance in the tournament, and a positive start today could be key in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested group.

Their opponents, Guinea, are also no strangers to the big stage. The Syli National, coached by Souleymane Camara, come into this match on the back of a strong 2020 showing where they secured third place and took home bronze.

This year marks their fourth CHAN appearance, and they are widely seen as one of the favourites to progress from Group C, which also includes Uganda, Algeria, and South Africa.

Much of Guinea’s attacking hopes rest on 20-year-old forward Mohamed Saliou Bangoura, a rising star known for his pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct. For Niger, left-back Abraham Agora is expected to play a pivotal role. Though primarily a defender, his versatility and knack for joining attacks make him a key asset for the Le Mena side.

Following the opening fixture, attention will quickly shift to the highly anticipated night clash at 8pm as tournament co-hosts Uganda take on Algeria under the floodlights in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.