African football giants Cameroon and Mali have been shockingly eliminated from the African Nations Championship ahead of the CHAN quarter-finals
The CHAN Quarter-finals are set for Friday. The competition, which has been expanded to include 18 national teams composed only of domestic-based players, is held every two years, alternating with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, only 17 teams participated in this year’s edition as former champions Morocco’s international dispute with Algeria restricted them from participation.
Mali, two-time runners-up, needed a score draw on the night against Mauritania in Group D but lost 1-0 following a Mamadou Sy 53rd-minute goal. The loss saw their early exit from the competition.
Cameroon also faced the axe in CHAN after a 1-0 loss to Niger who won the top spot in Group E.
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CHAN will have a new winner as none of the last eight teams have ever won the competition. Following the predictable success of Algeria and Senegal in Groups A and B last weekend, the CHAN minnows have made headlines with Madagascar’s victory in Group C on Monday.
Niger were the unlikely winner against Cameroon as Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o watched a deflected free-kick in the 69th-minute fall in the back of the net. The only goal of the fixture.
Single-elimination play will determine the victor of the eight-team knockout stage, and a third-place match will also be played. In the event of a draw following 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will be played.
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