CHAN 2024: Senegal bag millions after edging Sudan in battle for bronze
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 29.08.25. | 20:47
The contest was staged at the Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda
Outgoing champions Senegal staged a spirited comeback to finish third in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), overcoming Sudan in a tense playoff that was settled on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time.
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Victory handed Senegal not only the bronze medal but also a reward of Kshs 90 million.
The playoff clash, played before a charged atmosphere at Mandela Stadium, began at a frenetic pace with both sides determined to secure a coveted podium finish.
Senegal pressed forward early through the industrious duo of Moussa Cissé and Libasse Gueye, only to be denied by Sudan’s alert goalkeeper.
Despite Senegal’s early dominance, it was Sudan who struck first in the sixth minute.
Mohammed Teya rose highest to meet Abdel’s corner, planting a powerful header beyond Marc Philips to put Sudan on the lead.
The goal injected fresh energy into Sudan, who continued to press forward, with Musa Hussein and Faris combining well before Ndiaye’s timely intervention averted further danger.
Senegal, stung by the early setback, sought a quick response.
Daouda Ba came close on the quarter-hour mark after latching onto a poorly cleared ball, but his strike drifted narrowly wide.
Seven minutes later, Sudan nearly doubled their lead when Teya attempted a cheeky finish following a slick exchange with Yasir, only for Philips to gather comfortably.
As the half wore on, Senegal’s midfield began to assert control, with Cissé testing Elnour from long range and the lively 19-year-old Musa Hussein troubling Senegal’s backline with his mazy dribbles.
Five minutes before the break, Oumar Ba combined with Bonaventure Fonseca but dragged his shot wide, ensuring Sudan carried a slender 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Second half
The second half began with Senegal in determined mood, and their persistence bore fruit in the 58th minute.
Seyin Ndiaye climbed highest to nod home Fall Seck’s inch-perfect cross from the right, restoring parity and breathing new life into the contest.
From then, the defending champions turned the tie into their favour.
Issa Kane twice went close, his shots from the edge of the box flashing narrowly wide, while Bene Coly and Fall Seck forced Elnour into smart saves as Senegal piled on the pressure.
Yet Sudan remained dangerous on the counter. Substitute Maaz almost stole victory eight minutes from time when he rounded the keeper, but his weak finish allowed Kane to clear off the line.
With neither side able to find the winner, the match headed into penalties.
Nerves were palpable as Sudan’s captain Walieldin Khedr stepped up first but blazed his effort wide, handing Senegal the early advantage.
Layousse Ndiaye made no mistake for Senegal, calmly sending Elnour the wrong way. Saeed replied for Sudan, before Issa Kane restored Senegal’s lead.
The shootout tilted further in Senegal’s favour when Philips denied Musab Makeen, and Vieux Cissé duly converted to pile pressure on Sudan.
Ahmed Yousif briefly kept Sudan’s hopes alive, but Libasse Gueye delivered the decisive blow, tucking home with composure to seal a 4-2 shootout triumph for Senegal.
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