CHAN 2024: Senegal Secure Narrow Win Over Nigeria, Congo Snatches Late Equalizer Against Sudan
The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 kicked off with high drama, showcasing the fierce competitive spirit of African football. Defending champions Senegal secured a narrow victory over Nigeria, while Congo fought back to earn a late draw against Sudan. As the tournament unfolds, teams are already making their intentions clear in this prestigious competition reserved for players from domestic leagues.
Senegal Edges Nigeria to Begin Title Defense
Defending champions Senegal began their title defense at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a fiercely contested Group D opener at Amaan Stadium. Christian Gomis’ second-half strike proved decisive in a match that showcased the intensity expected from two of Africa’s most storied footballing nations.
Senegal displayed composure while navigating Nigeria’s early aggression. The Super Eagles, returning to the CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, aimed to control the midfield through Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu, both receiving early bookings as tackles flew in.
The first half was marked by heavy challenges and limited goalmouth action. Sikiru Alimi forced a save from Senegalese keeper Marc Diouf, while Daouda Ba and Moctar Koïté tested Nigeria’s backline from distance. The breakthrough came in the 75th minute following a swift Senegalese counter-attack. Substitute Moctar Koïté darted down the right flank, delivering a pinpoint pass into the box for Gomis, who arrived unmarked to slot home with his left foot.
Nigeria responded with urgency, introducing Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje to bolster their attack. However, Senegal’s defense, led by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm under growing pressure. The match ended with Nigeria unable to find an equalizer, leaving Senegal with an important victory as they aim for back-to-back titles.
Late Ekongo Strike Salvages Point for Congo Against Sudan
In another Group D clash, Congo and Sudan played out a tense 1-1 draw, with both sides settling for a point in their pursuit of knockout stage qualification. Musa Hussien gave Sudan the lead in the 29th minute, but Carly Ekongo’s 86th-minute strike ensured Congo began their fifth CHAN campaign without defeat.
Sudan looked more purposeful early on, testing Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba with a barrage of set-pieces and half-chances. Hussien scored after a double effort, pouncing on a rebound to put Sudan 1-0 up. Although Congo struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, they made crucial changes in the second half to wrest back control.
Sudan almost doubled their lead late in the match, but Samba made a brilliant save to keep Congo in contention. The crucial moment came just four minutes later when Ekongo latched onto a loose ball and smashed home a low finish from close range, sending the Congolese bench into wild celebration.
The match ended with both teams pushing for a winner, but the draw marked Congo’s first goal in open play in over three CHAN matches. For Sudan, it extended their winless run in open play at CHAN to five matches but signaled a step forward after a disappointing 2022 campaign.
Both teams will now focus on their upcoming fixtures in Group D, with Congo set to face title holders Senegal and Sudan preparing for a potentially decisive clash against Nigeria.
