The day of August 13, 2025, at the African Nations Championship brought two intense matches, decisive in the race for the quarter-finals.
In Nairobi, Madagascar earned their first victory of the tournament against the Central African Republic (2–0). Long undecided, the match was unlocked in the final minutes: Rakotondraibe opened the scoring in the 84th minute, before Rafanomezantsoa sealed the Malagasy win in stoppage time (90+4). Thanks to this result, the Barea remain alive in the competition, while the Central African Republic, still without a win, must resign themselves to an early exit.
In the evening, in Dar es Salaam, Mauritania confirmed their solidity by winning by the smallest of margins against Burkina Faso (1–0). In a tight, hard-fought duel, the decision came from a penalty converted by Alassane Diop in the 45+9 minute. This victory allows the Mourabitounes to hold on to second place in Group B behind Tanzania, and to move closer to a historic qualification for the knockout stage. For Burkina Faso, however, this defeat seriously complicates their chances of reaching the quarters.
CHAN 2024 continues to live up to expectations, with the stakes tightening as the group stage nears its conclusion. Every win now counts double, and every mistake could prove costly.
