Chan 2024: Senegal Bordes Nigeria to direct Group D as Congo has Sudan

The Defensores Senegal champions began their defense of the title in the African Nations Championship of Totalenergies Caf (Chan) Pamoja 2024 with a hard 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their first match of Group D in the Amaan stadium on Tuesday.

Christian Gomis scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, ending a quick counterattack initiated by the Koïté Moctar substitute. Despite Nigeria’s late thrust for a draw, Senegal’s defense, organized by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layusse, remained firm to ensure victory.

Read also: African Nations Championship: Senegal Bordes Nigeria in the group D

The strongly played party saw both sides create opportunities, but lacked a clinical finish in the first half. Nigeria, who returned to Chan’s finals for the first time since 2018, showed an early aggression but could not capitalize, with Sikiru Alimi and Jabbar Malik approached the Super Eagles.

Senegal’s tactical changes in the second half were fundamental, with the rhythm of Koïté on the flank that led the winner of Gomis. Nigeria presented Vincent Theitope and Godwin Obaje afternoon, but could not find an advance, leaving the team of coach Éric Chelle needing a strong response in the next games against Congo and Sudan.

The victory extends Senegal’s undefeated streak against the sides of Western Africa in Chan and marks his sixth 1-0 victory in the history of the tournament, showing his defensive resistance. Coach Soulleymane diallo praised his team’s composure, saying that they felt “no pressure” defending the title.

With this result, Senegal heads Group D, while Nigeria sits at the bottom with the work to do in his attempt for a quarterfinal place.

*Ekongo Strike Rescue Point for Congo against Sudan*

In the other group, Congo and Sudan shared the loot in a dramatic 1-1 draw in the same place.

Sudan took the lead in the 29th minute through Musa Hussien, who took advantage of a rebound after the goalkeeper of the Congo Ulrich Samba Save Save. Despite the possibilities of Chadrac Osseby and Charles Atipo, the Congo entered halftime.

A triple replacement of the Congo Barthélemy Ngatsono coach in the second half changed impulse, with Carly Ekongo emerging as the hero. In the 86th minute, Ekongo pounced on a loose ball in the Sudanese box to crush the tie, causing wild celebrations.

Sudan almost restored its advantage in the detention time, but Samba made crucial salvations to preserve the point. The result ends the drought of three Congo games in Chan, while the race without victories of Sudan in Open Play extends to five games.

Looking towards the future, the Congo will face Senegal below, while Sudan prepares for a fundamental encounter with Nigeria as Group D remains finely balanced.

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