Sudan has advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic encounter in Zanzibar.
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of tense football, sending Sudan’s “Falcons of Jediane,” managed by Kwesi Appiah, into a last-four clash with Madagascar.
Match Highlights:
- Sudan Leads: The deadlock was broken early in the second half (48th minute) when Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following a strike by Musa Hussien.
- Algeria Equalizes: The “Desert Foxes” showed resilience, and their sustained pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Soufiane Bayazid bundled home the equalizer from close range.
- Goalkeeper Heroics: After two hours of play, the game went to penalties. Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja became the hero, saving two penalties from Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui.
- Penalty Finish: Walieldin Khidir, Mohamed Ahmed Saeed, Ahmed Tabanja, and Mohamed Tia Asad all converted their spot-kicks for Sudan, sealing the 4-2 victory and snapping Algeria’s 10-match unbeaten run in CHAN.
Tournament Outlook:
Sudan, who remain unbeaten after topping Group D and having previously beaten Nigeria 4-0 and held Senegal, secures its third-ever CHAN semi-final appearance.
- Semi-final 1: Sudan vs. Madagascar (Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tuesday, 26 August, 17:30 local time).
- Semi-final 2: Morocco vs. Defending Champions Senegal (Kampala).
