The CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage delivered heartbreak for Guinea and Niger, as both nations were officially eliminated on Friday following disappointing draws at the Namboole Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

In the day’s opening clash, Guinea looked on course for victory after Ismaël Camara fired home a stunning strike from outside the box in the 62nd minute to put the National Elephants ahead. But hopes were dashed late on when Sofiane Bayazid bundled in an 88th-minute equalizer for Algeria, forcing a 1-1 draw.

Later in the evening, Niger battled hard for a goalless stalemate against South Africa, who dominated possession but failed to make their chances count.

The results mean Guinea exit the competition with just four points from four games, finishing bottom of Group C, while Niger remain winless with two defeats and one draw, stuck at the foot of the table with one fixture left to play against Algeria.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana and Algeria both sit on five points, chasing group leaders Uganda, who hold a slender one-point advantage heading into the decisive final round.

Friday’s Results:

Guinea 1–1 Algeria

Niger 0–0 South Africa