Against all odds, Niger held off South Africa (0-0) on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, during the third day of Group C in the 2024 CHAN. Despite this honorable result, Niger is eliminated in the first round of the competition.
South Africa was put in difficulty by Niger (0-0) on the third day of Group C of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday, August 15, 2025. Despite being eliminated after their previous losses to Guinea (0-1) and Uganda (2-0), the Nigeriens put up their best performance in the tournament, earning their first-ever point in the competition.
« I think, as we saw with Niger, they used different systems of play: sometimes with five defenders, sometimes four, three, or even two in the back. This shows the tactical flexibility they demonstrate in their game. And each time, the approach was different. »
Molefi Ntseki, Coach – South Africa
From the start of the match, South Africa sought to take control, even getting a penalty in the 18th minute, which was overturned after a VAR check. In the second half, the South Africans dominated possession 64%, but were unable to destabilize the Nigerien defense. Despite tactical adjustments on both sides, the score remained 0-0.
« Our ambitions remain the same. » It’s already gone to get that first point in this competition, and it will necessarily be in this match against South Africa. It will be very difficult, but not impossible. In a game, anything can happen. We will stay the course, believing that it is possible, and we will play our game to the fullest. »
Harouna Doulla, Coach – Niger
With this draw, South Africa accumulates 5 points and retains its chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals.She will play her qualification match against Angola on Monday, August 19. Niger, on the other hand, was eliminated in the group stage, but with the honor of standing up to a formidable opponent.
