Senegal claimed the third place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
The defending champions, who were denied a spot in the final following a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals, showed resilience once again to secure a podium finish.
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The result ensures back-to-back CHAN medals for the Lions of Teranga, while Sudan’s wait for a third medal continues despite a spirited campaign.
Backed by a lively Kampala crowd, Sudan started brightly and took the lead in the 6th minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to head home from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner.
Sudan’s defensive organisation and inspired goalkeeping from Mohamed Abooja kept Senegal at bay until halftime.
Senegal regrouped after the break and pressed higher up the pitch. Their equaliser arrived in the 58th minute through Seyni Ndiaye’s precise header, following a fine cross from Ousseynou Seck.
Despite dominating possession afterwards, Senegal could not break Sudan’s resistance, with Abooja again producing key saves, while Sudan threatened on the counterattack.
With no extra-time in the third-place playoff, the contest went straight to penalties.
Sudan faltered early as Walieldin Khdir missed the opening kick.
Though Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja converted, Musab Makeen’s effort was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
Senegal were perfect from the spot, with Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and Libasse Guèye all scoring to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
Though unable to defend their title, Souleymane Diallo’s side showed depth and maturity, extending their unbeaten run in open play to 10 CHAN matches.
“This was about character,” Diallo said post-match. “The players responded well after the semi-final disappointment. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”
For Sudan, led by Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was painful but their run earned admiration.
Despite domestic football being disrupted by conflict, the Falcons of Jediane reached the semi-finals after eliminating Nigeria and pushing Madagascar to the limit.
“We came very far with limited preparation,” Appiah said. “I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”
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