CHAN 2024: Senegal Edges Sudan on Penalties to Claim Third Place
Senegal emerged victorious in a thrilling third-place playoff at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday. The defending champions, who faced disappointment in the semi-finals against Morocco, showcased their resilience once again in a tense encounter. With this victory, Senegal secured a podium finish in back-to-back tournaments, while Sudan’s quest for a third CHAN medal continues.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Sudan started the match with notable intensity. Their efforts paid off in the 6th minute when Mohamed Tia Asad scored a powerful header from a corner taken by Abdel Raouf Yagoub, giving Sudan an early 1-0 lead. The Falcons of Jediane held onto this advantage through a disciplined defensive display, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja making several crucial saves to frustrate the Senegalese attack.
After halftime, Senegal came out stronger, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing Sudan into errors. The equalizer arrived in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye connected with a precise header, set up by a well-executed play on the flank by Ousseynou Seck. With the score tied, Senegal dominated possession but could not find the winner, as Sudan continued to pose a threat on the counterattack.
With no additional time played in the third-place playoff, the match went directly to penalties. Sudan faltered first, as Walieldin Khdir missed his opening kick wide of the goal. Although Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja converted their penalties, Musab Makeen had his shot saved by Senegal’s Marc Diouf, giving Senegal the advantage.
Senegal remained flawless from the spot, as Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and Libasse Guèye all found the net, securing a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Despite the win, the result was bittersweet for Souleymane Diallo’s youthful squad, who had aimed to defend their title but settled for bronze instead. Diallo praised his players’ character, highlighting their maturity in recovering from the semi-final disappointment. “We wanted to finish with something, and we did that,” he stated.
For Sudan, coached by Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was painful but their campaign earned admiration across the continent. Despite facing challenges due to a conflict-crippled domestic league, Sudan managed to eliminate Nigeria and push Madagascar to the limit in previous matches. Appiah expressed pride in his team’s spirit, stating, “We came very far with limited preparation. I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”
As Senegal celebrates their bronze medal, all eyes now turn to Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar are set to clash in Saturday’s final at Moi International Sports Centre.
