Senegal Outmuscle Nigeria to Start CHAN Title Defence on Winning Note
In a game loaded with intensity, tactical battles, and physicality, it was a moment of brilliance and composure that ultimately separated the sides.
Defending champions Senegal made a confident, if hard-fought, start to their title defence at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory over rivals Nigeria on Tuesday night at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
A tightly contested Group D encounter between two of Africa’s footballing powerhouses was decided by a well-taken strike from Christian Gomis in the 75th minute, handing Senegal all three points and the early leadership in the group.
In a game loaded with intensity, tactical battles, and physicality, it was a moment of brilliance and composure that ultimately separated the sides. With 15 minutes left on the clock, substitute Moctar Koïté—a livewire on the flank—delivered a low cross into the area. Gomis timed his run perfectly and calmly slotted home with his left foot past Nigerian goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo, sending the Senegalese bench into wild celebrations.
The goal was a product of clever build-up play, sharp awareness, and killer instinct—three traits that defined Senegal’s run to the title in Algeria 2022 and which were once again evident on the night.
The match lived up to expectations, with both teams fielding sides filled exclusively with domestic-based talent in accordance with CHAN rules.
Senegal started the game with poise, relying on their experience and structured play, while Nigeria, returning to CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, came out with high pressing and physicality, particularly in midfield where Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu both received early yellow cards as tackles flew.
The first half saw limited clear-cut chances, but both sides showed attacking intent. Sikiru Alimi forced a save from Senegal’s Marc Diouf, while Senegalese attackers Daouda Ba and Koïté tried their luck from distance, testing Nigeria’s defensive shape.
Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo made astute substitutions that tilted the game in their favour. The introduction of Koïté, who assisted the goal, and midfield reinforcements like Bonaventure Fonseca and Pape Badji, allowed Senegal to control key moments late in the game and blunt Nigeria’s attacking push.
Nigeria, under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, responded by introducing Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje in a bid to salvage a point. Temitope narrowly missed with a curling effort late in the game, while set-piece threats from Alimi and Jabbar Malik kept the Senegalese defence on their toes.
However, Senegal’s centre-back pairing of Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse stood firm, repelling wave after wave of Nigerian attacks as the match edged towards a dramatic finale.
The second half saw seven substitutions and several injury stoppages that disrupted momentum and added tension. Nigeria’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time when Shola Adelani was penalised for a handball, ending a final attempt to push forward for a late equaliser.
Despite their loss, Coach Chelle remained optimistic.
"It’s a tournament. One game doesn’t define us. We must regroup, correct our mistakes, and prepare for Congo and Sudan," he told the media post-match.
The win extends Senegal’s unbeaten run against West African opponents in CHAN and marks their sixth 1-0 win in the tournament’s history—a testament to their tactical discipline and defensive resolve.
Coach Diallo’s pre-match remarks that his squad felt "no pressure" defending the title were backed up with a performance full of maturity and composure, showing why Senegal remain one of the tournament favourites.
With the win, Senegal sit atop Group D with 3 points, while Nigeria will now be under pressure to get a result in their upcoming matches against Congo and Sudan to keep their knockout hopes alive.
For fans of African football, the message is clear: CHAN PAMOJA 2024 is underway, and every game counts. If the Senegal-Nigeria clash is anything to go by, expect drama, skill, and unrelenting intensity as the tournament unfolds.
Group D Standings (After Matchday 1)
Senegal – 3 pts
Congo – 1 pt (drew with Sudan)
Sudan – 1 pt
Nigeria – 0 pts
Next Fixtures (Group D)
Nigeria vs Sudan – August 9
Senegal vs Congo – August 9
Stay tuned for more CHAN 2024 coverage as the battle for continental glory continues!
