Lions of Teranga Secure Back-to-Back Podium Finishes at CHAN
For Senegal, coached by Souleymane Diallo, the result brought some redemption after falling short in their title defence.
Senegal secured third place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after overcoming Sudan 4-2 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The defending champions, who had been eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, showed great resilience in a tense bronze medal clash to ensure back-to-back podium finishes in Africa’s second-tier international competition for home-based players.
The match started brightly, with Sudan showing more hunger in the opening exchanges. Their efforts paid off in the 6th minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to head home from an Abdel Raouf Yagoub corner, giving the Falcons of Jediane a deserved early lead.
Sudan maintained their advantage until halftime, thanks largely to disciplined defending and the heroics of goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, who pulled off crucial saves to frustrate the holders.
However, Senegal regrouped at the break and returned sharper. Their equaliser came in the 58th minute through Seyni Ndiaye, whose precise header from an Ousseynou Seck cross restored parity.
From then on, the Lions of Teranga dominated possession, but Sudan looked dangerous on the counterattack, keeping the contest finely balanced until the final whistle.
With no extra time played in the third-place playoff, penalties were required to settle the tie.
Sudan faltered first as Walieldin Khdir fired his spot-kick wide. While Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja converted, Musab Makeen’s effort was saved brilliantly by Senegal’s goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
Senegal, in contrast, were flawless from 12 yards. Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and Libasse Guèye all converted confidently to seal a 4-2 shootout victory for the West Africans.
For Senegal, coached by Souleymane Diallo, the result brought some redemption after falling short in their title defence. Despite not reaching the final, they underlined their quality, extending their unbeaten record in open play at CHAN to 10 consecutive matches.
“This was about character,” Diallo said after the match. “The players showed maturity after the disappointment of the semi-final. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”
For Sudan, under the guidance of Ghanaian coach you Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was a bitter end to a courageous campaign. With domestic football disrupted by conflict, their journey to the semi-finals – which included eliminating Nigeria and testing Madagascar – won them admiration across the continent.
“We came very far with limited preparation,” Appiah remarked. “I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”
As Senegal celebrate a hard-fought bronze and Sudan reflect on a valiant run, the spotlight now shifts to Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar will contest the CHAN 2024 final at the Moi International Sports Centre on Saturday.
With both nations chasing history, the climax of the PAMOJA 2024 tournament promises another thrilling chapter in African football.
