Africa-Press – Rwanda. Senegal clinched third place at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after overcoming Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
The Teranga Lions, denied a place in the final after losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, showed resilience once more in a tense bronze medal match.
Victory means Senegal secured a podium finish in back-to-back tournaments, while Sudan’s wait for a third CHAN medal goes on despite a spirited display.
In front of a lively crowd in Kampala, Sudan looked the sharper of the two sides in the opening stages.
Their persistence paid off after just six minutes of action when Mohamed Tia Asad rose the highest to power home a header from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner, putting the Falcons of Jediane 1-0 ahead.
That advantage stood until the break, with Sudan showing defensive discipline and goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja pulling off crucial saves to frustrate the holders.
Senegal, however, came out stronger after half-time, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing errors.
Their equaliser came in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye’s precise header found the net, after good work on the flank by Ousseynou Seck.
From then on, the Lions of Teranga took control of possession, but Sudan continued to threaten on the counter, with Abooja again keeping his side level.
Neither side could find a winner in regulation time, and with extra-time absent in the third-place play-off, penalties were required.
Sudan blinked first, with Walieldin Khdir firing his opening kick wide of the target.
Although Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja scored, Musab Makeen saw his effort saved by Marc Diouf, handing Senegal the advantage.
Senegal were flawless from the spot. Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and finally Libasse Guèye all converted, giving them a 4-2 shootout victory.
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