Senegal secured third place at the CHAN 2024 tournament after edging Sudan 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday evening.
The result handed the defending champions a second consecutive podium finish, while Sudan’s wait for a third CHAN medal goes on despite an impressive campaign and spirited playoff performance.
Sudan Strike Early, Senegal Hit Back
Sudan made the brighter start, roared on by a lively Kampala crowd. In the 6th minute, Mohamed Tia Asad rose to head in Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner, giving the Falcons of Jediane a deserved lead.
The advantage held until the break, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja producing several saves to deny Senegal’s attackers.
Senegal regrouped after halftime and restored parity in the 58th minute. Seyni Ndiaye met Ousseynou Seck’s cross with a firm header to level the game at 1-1. From then, the Lions of Teranga dictated possession though Sudan remained a threat on the counter.
Shootout Drama
With no provision for extra time in the third-place playoff, the tie went straight to penalties after 90 minutes.
Sudan faltered first as Walieldin Khdir missed his attempt before Musab Makeen’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf. Though Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja converted, the damage was already done.
Senegal, meanwhile, showed composure from the spot. Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and Libasse Guèye all scored to seal a 4-2 victory.
Coaches React
Senegal’s head coach Souleymane Diallo praised his team’s character after missing out on the final. “This was about character,” he said. “The players showed maturity after the semi-final setback. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”
For Sudan, the loss was painful but still carried pride. Coach Kwesi Appiah lauded his side for defying challenges back home. “We came very far with limited preparation. I am proud of how the players fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart,” he said.
Focus Shifts to the Final
The bronze playoff wrapped up in Kampala, leaving the spotlight on Nairobi where Morocco and Madagascar will battle for the CHAN 2024 title on Saturday at Moi International Sports Centre.