Senegal beat Sudan on penalties to clinch CHAN 2024 bronze

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Senegal sealed third place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

The defending champions, beaten by Morocco in the semi-finals, showed resilience again in a tense bronze medal clash to secure back-to-back podium finishes.

Sudan strike first, Senegal hit back

Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan made a dream start, taking the lead inside six minutes when Mohamed Tia Asad powered in a header from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner.

Senegal struggled to break down a disciplined Sudan defence in the first half, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja pulling off a string of saves.

The holders eventually drew level in the 58th minute, Seyni Ndiaye nodding home after excellent work on the flank by Ousseynou Seck.

From there, Senegal took control of possession, but Sudan remained dangerous on the counter.

Penalty drama

With no extra time in the third-place play-off, the game went straight to penalties.

Sudan faltered early, Walieldin Khdir missing the target before Musab Makeen saw his effort saved by Marc Diouf.

Senegal were clinical, with Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé and finally Libasse Guèye all converting to seal a 4-2 shootout victory.

Redemption for Senegal, pride for Sudan

Coach Souleymane Diallo hailed his young team’s response after the semi-final disappointment.

“This was about character. The players showed maturity. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”

For Sudan, who eliminated Nigeria and pushed Madagascar on their way to the semi-finals despite minimal preparation amid domestic turmoil, it was a brave run that fell just short.

“We came very far with limited preparation,” said Appiah. “I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”

Focus shifts to Nairobi

With bronze decided, attention now turns to Saturday’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, where Morocco face Madagascar for the CHAN crown.

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