The Falcons of Sudan delivered the biggest shock of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 so far by thrashing Nigeria’s Super Eagles B 4–0 in Zanzibar to go top of Group D and eliminate Nigeria with a game to spare.
An own goal from Leonard Ngenge set the tone before captain Walieldin Khdir’s penalty doubled the lead. Abdel Raouf Yagoub then struck twice in the second half to cap a ruthless and disciplined display by James Kwesi Appiah’s side.
The result, combined with Senegal’s 1–1 draw against Congo earlier in the day, leaves Sudan and Senegal level on four points, Congo on two, and Nigeria bottom with zero. With only one match left, the Super Eagles can no longer finish in the top two.
How the match unfolded
Nigeria started brightly, forcing early corners and creating half-chances, but their momentum stalled when VAR ruled out Anthony Ijoma’s 22nd-minute strike for offside. Moments later, Yagoub’s shot came back off the post and ricocheted in off Ngenge for a freak opener.
Ngenge’s misery deepened just before half-time, conceding a penalty for handball which Khdir hammered into the top corner. Nigeria threatened before the break through Sikiru Alimi but failed to find a breakthrough.
Any hopes of a comeback were crushed after the restart. Yagoub coolly slotted Sudan’s third on 55 minutes and then made it 4–0 seven minutes later, finishing off a sharp counter-attack. From there, Sudan controlled possession, frustrated Nigeria, and limited them to long-range efforts — including a late strike from Raymond Tochukwu that hit the post.
Organisation rewarded
Appiah’s side executed their game plan perfectly: disciplined with and without the ball, quick in transition, and clinical in front of goal. The midfield trio worked tirelessly, the defence stayed compact, and full-backs balanced forward runs with defensive solidity.
Nigeria, in contrast, struggled at both ends, conceding five goals in two matches without scoring. Poor defensive organisation, wasteful finishing, and vulnerability on the flanks compounded their problems.
Group D standings
Sudan lead the group on goal difference ahead of Senegal (both on four points), with Congo on two and Nigeria out. Sudan face Senegal in the final group game, needing just a draw to secure progress, while Nigeria meet Congo with only pride at stake.
On a dramatic night in Zanzibar, Sudan soared higher while the eagles were left grounded and searching for answers.
About The Author
