CHAN 2024: East Africa's Electric Encore, Morocco's Dynasty, and the Rise of Local Legends

0:00 Imagine the thunderous roar of the crowd, the kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, the sheer electric energy. African football reaching this like spectacular finale. You just know when you're witnessing history. Absolutely. That feeling is unmistakable. And today we are absolutely thrilled, honestly, to launch into a deep dive focusing on the last the really thrilling final days of the 2024 African Nations Championship. Chan, what a tournament. It properly set East Africa ablaze. It really did, and the context is key here.

0:32 For the first time ever, you had this major football showcase. Yeah, the one with only local league players. Yeah exactly. Only players from their own domestic leagues and it was Co hosted by three nations, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. That Pomoja spirit wasn't just a slogan. Groundbreaking stuff. So our mission today for you listening is to basically transport you right into the heart of that action. We're zoning in on the the Super high stakes bronze medal match, the absolutely breathtaking closing ceremony, talk about unity, and then of course the nail biting final that crowned the champion.

1:05 Get ready for some, well, surprising facts. Incredible stories, Definitely. Stories of resilience. Oh for sure, and real insights into what this all means for the future, the really vibrant future of African football. You are about to get seriously well informed on this. It's exciting definitely and you know, the ambition behind just Co hosting it went beyond the football. It was almost like a a statement, a dress rehearsal, perhaps, for even bigger things. Like AFCON 2027. Precisely. But before we even get to the Grand final, we have to talk about that battle for 3rd place.

1:39 Yeah, often overlooked, but this one fiercely contested. Right, because the stakes were massive, weren't they? Not just pride. No, no. Pride is always huge, of course. But also, you know, significant financial rewards were on the table. Every single kick, every save, it all mattered immensely. Absolutely. And you could just feel that weight, that intensity. So the day before the grand final, August 29th, 2025, the iconic Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, that was the stage. Yep, Kampala hosting the bronze playoff.

2:07 And it was Sudan versus Senegal, two really formidable teams, both determined obviously to end their campaigns on a high. Determined is the word and like you said, not just for a metal. There was that substantial prize money. Shesh. 90 million Kenyan Shillings for 3rd place. 90 million wow. And 4th place still got a good chunk too, right? Yeah, Shesh, 77 million for 4th. So these were real tangible stakes for the Football Associations. It makes a difference. Definitely inject some extra spice and you could sense that, couldn't you?

2:42 That mix of like financial incentive and the desire for redemption. Oh completely. Especially considered a Senegal story. They were the defending champs coming into Shan 2024, remember? They won the last one. They. Did. And then they suffered that absolutely heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semis. So for them, this bronze match, it was crucial, A chance to salvage pride. Sure, there's still a force. And Sudan, their narrative was just incredible, wasn't it? Utterly captivating.

3:08 They're domestically tragically crippled by conflict. Just getting to the semi finals was, well, almost miraculous. They played with this certain freedom, having already smashed all expectations. That context just adds so much emotion to it all. You could feel the tension right from kickoff, both sides needing to prove something. So who drew first blood in this battle for bronze? Well, and this was quite remarkable, Sudan actually looked a sharper side in those opening minutes, really took the game to Senegal fear none at all.

3:38 And their persistence paid off incredibly quickly. Just the 6th minute, Muhammad T Assad big presence in the box, rose highest to powerfully head home a corner from. Who? Who took the corner? Abdel Raufia Gub delivered it perfectly. Ball hits the net. One Nella Sudan. What a statement. Wow, just 6 minutes in that must have sent ripples through the stadium. It really did, and it put immediate pressure on Senegal. Then Sudan, you know, they didn't just score and sit back passively. They showed impressive defensive discipline, held that lead right through to halftime.

4:11 Really kept the defending champs out. They did, and their goalkeeper Mohammed Abuja, he was absolutely immense, pulled off some crucial says, really acrobatic stuff sometimes kept Senegal frustrated. He was like a wall back there. Incredible. So Sudan holding firm, playing with real fire. But you just knew Senegal with their pedigree wouldn't just roll over, especially after that semi final pain. But did they change things up in the second-half? Oh, absolutely. Senegal's coach Soleiman Diallo must have given quite the halftime talk.

4:40 They came out with just renewed energy, clear tactical shift. How so? What did they do differently? They pushed their defensive line higher, really pressed Sudan intensely, forcing errors. As Sudan started to maybe tire a little, their midfield, led by Joseph Liuz, started controlling possession more, probing patiently. And did it work? Did the pressure tell? Eventually, yes, their relentless pressure paid off in the 58th minute setting day-to-day. Timed his run perfectly. Met a pinpoint cross with Hussein is sick on the left.

5:09 Precise header 11. The equalizer relief for Senegal, I bet. Palpable relief on their bench. Yeah, from then on, Senegal had more of the ball. But Sudan, you know, credit to them. They remained a threat on the counter. Quick wingers. So it wasn't one way traffic. Not at all. Abuja. The Sudanese keeper had to make more key saves to keep it level. It was tense, really. Back and forth. A proper battle of wills. Endurance, too. And then one one at full time in a bronze medal match. No extra time for this one.

5:40 Nope, straight to the agony of penalties. The shootout drama to decide 3rd place. Honestly, talk about high pressure. It's just the most intense way to finish. How did it play? Out an emotional roller coaster, Truly. Yeah. The tension in the stadium was well, you could cut it with a knife. And Sudan, who'd started so brightly they faced the first big set back. Oh no. Missed their captain while yielding. Kadir stepped up first for them and fired his shot wide. Heartbreak put them under immense pressure immediately.

6:09 Tough start. Did they recover? They did score their next two, Muhammad Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja converted, Kept hope alive, but then Saba King's effort was saved. Saved by Senegal's keeper. Yes, Mark Duf dove low to his left. Brilliant save. That was really the crucial moment. Gave Senegal the clear advantage. In Senegal, did they handle the pressure? Flawless, yeah, absolutely clinical from the spot, Joseph Leus, Isa, Kane, Vusi say, and then Lebas guy to seal it all converted perfectly. Bang Bang, Bang, Bang.

6:41 SO42 in the shootout, Senegal takes the bronze. Exactly. A dramatic way to clinch it, but they got the job done. What a way to win bronze. It's a podium finish, sure, but for Senegal, coming off that semifinal loss, what does this actually mean for them and for Sudan, who fought so incredibly hard? Yeah, look for Senegal, it wasn't the goal they dreamed of, obviously, but this bronze offered a significant measure of, let's say, redemption. Securing something tangible. Exactly. A podium finish in back-to-back Shands, that's a serious achievement.

7:12 It underlines their depth, their promise. Coach Holimme Diallo really emphasized the character his young side showed, You know, bouncing back from disappointment. And they stayed unbeaten in open play for a long time too, right? That's right, this result meant they were unbeaten and open play across their last 10 Shan matches. Incredible consistency shows their tactical strength. And Sudan, despite the loss. Oh, the loss was painful, no doubt a cruel end. But their entire campaign, it earned just immense admiration across Africa.

7:41 Remember the context, the crippled domestic league, the lack of preparation. Defying all the odds just to be there. Precisely reaching the semis, Pushing teams like Madagascar. Pushing Senegal to penalties, coach Quiziapia was understandably, incredibly proud. He spoke about their fight, their spirit. It was genuinely inspiring, a real beacon of hope. And Senegal got another award, too. They did. As a testament to their conduct throughout, they picked up the Fair Play trophy. Well deserved recognition for their sportsmanship.

8:11 OK, so from that intense bronze battle in Kampala the very next day, August 30, all attention shifts. Nairobi, Kenya, The Moy International Sports Center, Kasarani. Time for the official closing ceremony. And this wasn't just a perfunctory closing, you know, It was designed as a spectacle in itself, a real celebration. Setting the stage for the final, but also celebrating the whole tournament, the whole Pomoja thing. Absolutely. It kicked off at 2:00 PM local time, and it perfectly embodied that Pomoja spirit, the Swahili word for it.

8:40 Together was this magnificent sensory celebration of the collaboration. The culture of all three hosts Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania. Sounds amazing, was it just for the fans in the stadium? Oh no, Far from It was broadcast live globally. This was East Africa showing the world. Look, we can host major continental events and do it with style. That wider implication, showcasing their readiness was huge. A real statement. Talk about a party atmosphere then. Cassarani must have been absolutely buzzing. Who are the music stars who brought the house?

9:11 Down the lineup was genuinely phenomenal, a really smart selection representing the best of East African music, capturing that vibrant regional energy. OK, name names. Right, you had the Ugandan superstar Eddie Kenzo, global hit Citulos, Grammy Amini. Yeah, know him. His energy, the Afrobeat vibe had the whole stadium singing, dancing, electric. Then from Tanzania, the rapidly rising * Zuchu. OK. Yeah, hearing a lot about her. Delivered this really polished, soulful set. Her hit Amanda went down brilliantly.

9:44 Great stage presence and then representing Kenya, the host nation. Had to be someone big. Savara Mudiki, you know, founding member of Sody Soul, now a huge solo artist too. He performed show you off and honestly the place erupted. Pure Kenyan pride, modern African sound. Brilliant. So each host nation got their moment in the musical spotlight, really reinforcing that Pomoja idea. Exactly. It celebrated the diverse musical heritage, really brought that collaborative spirit to life through the music.

10:14 Sounds like an auditory feast, but I heard the visuals were just as mind blowing pushing. Boundaries. Oh, it was a feast for all the senses, a real triumph of like creative direction and technical wizardry. They had this breathtaking 360° stage set up. 360° 1980s How did that? Work and erformances were dynamic, immersive, visible from everywhere, a logistical feat. And that was paired with these sweeping, state-of-the-art light displays painting the sky. The stadium became this giant canvas. And the fireworks?

10:42 I heard they were something else. Genuinely billed as the most ambitious fireworks display ever seen at a major sporting event in East Africa. Just imagine the sky over Casa Ronnie exploding in light and color, perfectly timed to the music. It was spectacular. Wow. But it wasn't just about the show, was it? The significance ran deeper with all the important people there. That's a crucial point. Beyond the spectacle, the presence of high profile dignitaries really hammered home the tournament significance and East Africa's growing influence in football.

11:12 Who was there? You had Kenya's President William Ruto key figure in the Pomoja bid. You had see half President Doctor Patrice Motsepi, FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Wow, Infantino himself. Yeah, plus all 54 Football Association presidents from across Africa, their collective presence that's had a powerful message, support, recognition. It wasn't just another tournament. And if you connect that to the bigger picture, having those top officials from presidents to the heads of FIFA and C half, it speaks volumes, doesn't it?

11:43 Definitely more than just football. Exactly. It's about the comment coming together, showing off its organizational strength, demonstrating real progress in football development, which, you know, aligns perfectly with President Museppe's vision for CK froth global competitiveness. And the ceremony itself visually tied it all together. Seamlessly, the creative direction, woe together, cultural motifs from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, vibrant textiles, rhythmic drumming, choreographed mass movements in the stadium bowl, it all told this unified story of regional solidarity, shared heritage.

12:17 Sounds incredibly moving. There was this one mass cast sequence that evoked the roar of the fan zones, which were such a feature of this chant, symbolized the fans collective voice. And then it all culminated in those massive pyrotechnics lighting up Nairobi. It was the laboratory, yes, but also really forward-looking. A true testament to that Pomoja spirit. Unforgettable. What an absolutely electrifying lead in So after that incredible closing ceremony, every I every fan across Africa and probably beyond turns to the pitch at Casarani, the Chan 2024 final.

12:47 Itself the main event, all the anticipation building up to this. And what a fascinating matchup you had Morocco, the powerhouse, the two time reigning champs from 18 and 20. Aiming for a historic third title. Unprecedented. Against Madagascar, the ultimate dark horses, the fairy tale story making their first ever Shan final appearance. The contrast couldn't have been sharker, could it? The established giants versus the debutantes who defied every odd. The tension must have been absolutely palpable.

13:18 Madagascar had captured everyone's imagination, right? Arriving with like, nothing to lose, everything to gain. Proper underdog stuff. It really was is a narrative straight out of a storybook from Madagascar facing A-Team like Morocco, and it raised so many questions. Strategy, psychology. How do these different narratives play out on the pitch? Because Madagascar weren't just lucky, were they? They showed real grit. Incredible resilience. Remember that semi final against Sudan Toki Rakatan Drapes scoring in the 116th minute.

13:46 Oh yeah, late drama. And they knocked out Kenya, the Co hosts, silencing the home crowd. That takes serious mental fortitude. They weren't just a Cinderella story. They were disciplined, mentally tough. So before kickoff, all the tactical minds, the pundits, they must have been buzzing. How did the experts see this clash unfolding, especially Madagascar against such a seasoned opponent? Yeah, the predictions were flying. And it really brings up that question, how do these contrasting stories influence strategy?

14:17 CF Technical Study Group. You know, experienced coaches like Muhammad Magusuba. Former Mali and Dr. Congo coach. That's him. He really emphasized mental discipline, tactical flexibility and that collective energy. Especially for Madagascar. He said the final would be decided as much by the team unit as by moments of individual brilliance. Makes sense, you need the foundation. Exactly, and Magusuba famously called goalkeepers Mr. 50% of a team, highlighting their huge impact. He pointed to Morocco's El Medi El Harar and Madagascar stand out keeper Michelle Romanda Mazzoa.

14:51 What were Romanda Mazzoa's stats like? Incredible. Coming into the final he'd made 25 saves and kept 3 clean sheets. That kind of form can genuinely win you games. Provides that defensive rock. Madagascar's composure under pressure. Magusuba noted that to those late goals, like against Sudan silencing the Kenyan crowd, he stressed that wasn't luck. He said it was not coincidences but the result of discipline, mental training and unwavering belief. He thought that resilience would be crucial, especially if it went to extra time.

15:21 So who are the key players to watch for each side? From Madagascar, the midfielder Rujan Yana, Nicholas Rendreum and Empisowa man of the match in the semi, tireless worker Straker Fina Hasina, Gils, Rosa Femaro, clinical finisher and of course Toki Rakatan drape the man for the big occasion. And for Morocco, the usual suspects. Pretty much the influential midfielder Yusuf Bellamari, the creative spark Mohammad Shahmat and obviously their top scorer was some of Lamblowy dangerous players. So the big theme was experience versus novelty.

15:54 How might that play out tactically? Well, the prediction was Morocco might try to press aggressively early, get quick goals, try and break Madagascar spirit, while Madagascar might counter with say compact defending, hitting fast on the break, maybe even plan bursts of high cresting themselves, potentially trying to drag it out. Use their fitness and unity. And substitutions would be key. Vital the depth of the bench, making smart changes at the right time. Everyone knew that could be decisive in what was expected to be a real tactical battle like chess.

16:22 OK, the whistle blows. Kasarani is roaring and the game starts. Was it cagey or did it explode into life? Exploded, absolutely frantic, breathless start, no holding back. Morocco showing that champions intent. Nearly scored in the 1st 2 minutes. Lamlu. Yep Usama. Lamlu sprung the offside trap. Clever run but dragged his shot just wide. Huge let off from Madagascar. Close call early on. But then just wait 9th minute Madagascar delivered an absolute stunner, a moment that sent shockwaves. Go on, what happened?

16:56 Felici Mano Hansoa scored what everyone instantly hailed one of the best goals in Shan history. A magnificent audacious long range volley. Just sword dipped, swerved past the keeper Al Harar. Unbelievable. Long range volley in the final. Pure magic. Instant classic. The stadium just erupted. Cheers, gasps, everything. The fairy tale felt utterly real in that moment. One nil. Madagascar. What an absolutely incredible goal. An audacious start for the underdogs that must have been. Wow. Such a high for Madagascar but a massive shock for Morocco.

17:26 How did the Champions respond to that? You're right, an incredible high for one side, a potential derailment for the other. But Morocco, to their immense credit, showed that champions mentality. They didn't panic. Stay composed. Exactly. They regrouped, pressed forward with like renewed purpose, started imposing their technical quality and it paid off. 27th minute. Equalizer, yes. Youssef Mary Rose powerfully above 2 defenders headed home. A perfect cross from Khalid Baba on the right. 11 settled.

17:56 Moroccan nerves shifted the momentum back a bit. OK. Back on level terms, did they push on from there? They did showed their clinical edge just before halftime. 44th minute. Usama Lama Louie again, his fifth The tournament converted a smart cross for Muhammad Buliksit. Tidy Fish. SO21, Morocco. Well, there's a bit of drama first, A lengthy VAR review. Tension mounting, but the goal stood Morocco go into the break 21-UP. They'd absorb the early shock and responded decisively. So Morocco leading at halftime, having weathered that incredible opening goal, that Madagascar, we know about their resilience.

18:34 Did they come back fighting in the second? Half. Oh absolutely. They came out of the dressing room clearly not beaten. Made a bold tactical move to a triple substitution right at the start of the second-half. Triple sub that's decisive. Injecting fresh legs, fresh energy, maybe tweaking the system. And the impact was almost immediate. Proving the coach right. Who? Scored. Don't tell me. One of the substitutes Toki Rakatan Dr. remember him semi final hero. Of course, the big game player. Exactly.

19:02 He latched onto a clever flick on from Manahan Soha, the guy who scored the first stunner and fired home brilliantly in the 68th minute 22. No way. Another equalizer. The stadium went wild again. Just sheer noise celebrating Madagascar's tenacity. What a response showed their incredible belief The fairy tale was back on. Momentum swung again. What an absolutely insane game. 2 incredible goals, 2 equalizers. A proper back and forth thriller. Both teams leaving everything out there but finals. Need a hero right?

19:35 A moment to decide it all. Who stepped up? He. Just had to be him, didn't it? Morocco star striker Usama Lamlioi with breathtaking audacity. He had the final decisive work. When was this getting late? 80th minute game on a knife edge. Tension unbearable. Lam Louis unleashes this incredible long range strike caught the Madagascar keeper just slightly off his line. Another long Ranger. Yep, sailed in pace, precision, beautiful arc. His sixth goal of the tournament. Pure individual genius. 32 Morocco.

20:05 Wow, some people were saying that was even better than mental head. So his goal? That's how good it was. Given how stunning the first one was, that tells you something. Phenomenal technique and nerve. That was the winner. That was it. Morocco then had to withstand a furious late rally from Madagascar. They threw everything forward, but the Champions defended resolutely held on. The final whistle blew. 32 Morocco. What a final. And there it is. History made Morocco claims that unprecedented third Chan title in a final that just had absolutely everything.

20:35 What a journey for both teams, especially Madagascar. They won so many hearts. This victory absolutely cements Morocco's dominance in Chan. First team ever to win at 3 * 2018, 2020 and now 2024. It speaks volumes about their consistency, tactical prowess, the depth in their local leagues, their federation's planning. It's a huge achievement. Truly cemented their legacy. No doubt and Madagascar, despite the heartbreak of losing the final, what a run, reaching their first ever final, leaving this indelible mark with their spirit, their resilience, they didn't just charm fans, they show the incredible potential across African football, even outside the traditional powerhouses.

21:12 A final for the ages. Watched by a packed stadium. All those Dita Terries. A truly fitting, unforgettable climax to two weeks of absolutely captivating football. It'll be remembered for a long, long time. What an absolutely incredible deep dive we've had thinking back that nail biting bronze metal shootout, the dazzling unity of the closing ceremony, and that final. Just wow, we really saw the best of African football. Morocco cementing their dynasty, Madagascar capturing hearts. East Africa shining as hosts.

21:42 It really was a tournament packed with memorable moments and storylines. But beyond the matches, beyond the trophies, this tournament celebrated individual brilliance, too, didn't it? And it had significant, like, lasting impacts. Let's talk awards, the money, the bigger picture legacy. Absolutely. Looking beyond the immediate results is key. The tournament rightly recognized stand out performers, so the final placings Champions of course. Morocco record third title, Monumental runners up the fairy tale team.

22:10 Madagascar memorable debut final. 3rd place went to Senegal after that tough bronze medal battle and 4th place to Sudan whose resilient campaign, given the circumstances, earn so much praise. Incredible courage shown. And the individual awards, who scooped the main prizes? Right? The top scorer, the Puma award went to Morocco's Usama Lam Liui. Six goals, clinical finishing throughout and that's stunning. Winner in the final. Clutch performer. Six goals is impressive in a tournament format. Who got best player?

22:39 That went to another Moroccan, the captain Mohammad Rabihirat as far about midfielder voted by C Caps technical study group the experts. What made him stand out? His consistency, his technical leadership in midfield, his crucial contributions all the way through control, the tempo broke up, play started attacks just invaluable to their success. He received the award right there at Kasarani, OK. And best goalkeeper had to be tough competition. It went deservedly to Mark Dyouf of Senegal. Exceptional skill, composure, agility and those penalty shootout heroics were vital for their bronze medal.

23:15 A standout performer between the. Posts and fair play. That also went to Senegal, reflecting their excellent conduct throughout the championship. Good sportsmanship recognized these awards. You know, they don't just recognize talent, they inspire young players everywhere. Definitely. Now beyond the trophies and the individual honors, you mentioned significant financial rewards earlier. We're talking serious money here, right? Figures that could genuinely boost domestic football. Oh absolutely fascinating this aspect.

23:41 C CAF strategically used money to elevate the tournament. They announced a remarkable 75% increase in prize money for Chee Chan 2024. 75% increase. Wow. Boosting the total purse by 32% compared to the last division. This wasn't just a small bump, it was a clear, bold statement from C Gaf enhancing prestige, providing real, tangible support for domestic football across Africa. So it wasn't just pocket change for the winners. Far from it. It's a significant windfall, crucial for development. Let's breakdown those numbers because they really highlight C cast commitment.

24:16 The Champions Morocco took home a staggering SHA 453 million. 453,000,000 That's huge. What can that do? We'll think about as is Farabat, whose players formed the core. They could invest heavily in youth academies, build new training facilities, improve player welfare, things that feed talent back into the system for years. It's transformative potential. And Madagascar, the runners up. They received a very substantial HH 155,000,000. For a nation like Madagascar, that sum is potentially game changing.

24:49 Could help professionalize parts of their league. Better equipment, coaching, education. And 3rd and 4th. Senegal third got Sheets 90 million and Sudan 4th earned Chase 77 million. For Sudan, especially, given their situation, that money is a vital lifeline, hope and means to rebuild. And it wasn't just the top 4 getting paid. No, that's the other key part. The benefits spread wide. Quarter finalists like Kenya, for example, still pocketed stage 58,000,000. Third place group teams got SH 39 million and even teams finishing fourth or fifth in groups received SH 26,000,000 each.

25:21 So everyone got something significant. Exactly. These funds are crucial for reinvestment, nurturing grassroots talent, improving local pitches, training coaches. It strengthens the very foundation of African football across the board. So this feels like much more than just a successful tournament, it feels like part of a bigger strategy. What does this really mean for African football, especially for East Africa going forward? Is this a launchpad? If we connected to the bigger picture, yes absolutely.

25:52 Chan 2024 was a significant milestone in C caf's broader 10 point plan for developing African football that Co hosting by Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda. More than just a tournament, it was that crucial dress rehearsal for AFCON 2027. Proving they can do it. Emphatically showcase the region's organizational skills, logistics, security, handling big crowds across multiple cities. President Rudo himself said Kenya would use the lessons learned to sharpen Afghan prep, highlighting Africa's unity and potential, saying the future is brightest when we stand together.

26:22 That collaboration was strategic. And did it boost local interest? Did the fans turn out? Hugely legends like Victor Wanyama and Rishow Nugasa, the Trophy ambassadors believed it would leave a lasting legacy, reigniting love for the game locally. And the attendance figures back that up. Impressive crowds across all three countries, even for games not involving the home teams. That's a great sign. Shows a real appetite for domestic football. A renewed enthusiasm definitely suggests a growing local fan base keen to support homegrown talent and the successful delivery helped by that new sponsorship from Techno Mobile boosts Shan's visibility makes it an even better platform for these players.

27:01 So it all ties together the money, the organization, the talent showcase. Exactly. These see half investments championed by President Mosepe cover everything. Better competitions, more prize money, youth development like the gift tournament for girls in Tanzania, improving infrastructure, refereeing standards. All of that professionalism was visible at Chan 2024. It sets a really powerful precedent for the future. What an absolutely incredible deep dive. Honestly, this wasn't just about football matches, was it?

27:29 It felt like a testament to collaboration, pure passion and just the undeniable power sport has to unite a whole continent. You really felt that spirit throughout. As those final sparks faded over Castorani, the message just felt crystal clear. African football isn't just growing, it's genuinely flourishing, promising even grander spectacles. Deeper connections ahead This tournament really shown a huge light on local talent. It absolutely did a vital platform. So the final thought for you, listening as you reflect on this magnificent CHN 2024, you just have to wonder, don't you?

28:03 What fresh talent inspired by this tournament, by the spirit, the success? What stars are going to emerge from Africa's local leagues? Next to take the global stage? The future looks incredibly bright.