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CHAN 2024: Sudan, Senegal battle for bronze in Kampala
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 29.08.25. | 08:29
The two sides met earlier in the tournament group stages, where they settled for a barren draw
Sudan and Senegal will meet once again in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Friday, 29 August when they play for bronze at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The two sides, who met in the group stages on Tuesday, 19 August, will look to end their incredible journeys on a high, having all fallen at the last four earlier this week.
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Sudan, under Kwesi Appiah, were on the wrong end of a Madagascar scare, going 1-0 down to the Islanders in extra time, despite having a man advantage.
Senegal, on the other hand, stumbled on their road for what would have been a brilliant title defense, after losing 5-3 on penalties against two-time champions Morocco, having initially led in the tie, only to be pegged back.
For Sudan, the match offers a deserving end for the team, which has been hinged on matters beyond football.
With the domestic league suspended for more than two years due to conflict at home, Ghanaian coach Appiah was tasked with moulding a competitive squad almost from scratch.
With barely three days of preparation, he leaned heavily on players from giants Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, and somehow fashioned a team that not only survived, but thrived.
Speaking ahead of the 1800 EAT kickoff, Appiah divulged on the importance of the game.
“We want to bring smiles to the Sudanese, especially at a time when our country is going through such hardship,” he said. “This game is very important to us, and we will give everything to win the medal.
We are more united now than we were in the first game. We have learned a lot throughout the tournament and believe we can put on a great show.”
For Senegal, the path has been very different. Entering as defending champions, expectations were sky-high.
Coach Souleymane Diallo brought a youthful squad inspired by the triumphant class of 2022, and they delivered glimpses of promise: a solid group stage and a commanding win over Zambia.
But their semi-final defeat to Morocco ended the dream of back-to-back titles.
“This game is an opportunity to show character and bring something positive to Senegal,” Diallo, who admitted as such immediately after the defeat, said on Thursday.
“We want to return home with the bronze medal and repay our people’s support. Football is dynamic. A coach can change tactics and surprise. We are ready to respond to any challenge.”
