Sudan slay Nigeria as Senegal survive Congo scare
Sudan put Nigeria to the sword in Zanzibar as the CHAN 2024 continued in East Africa. Defending champions Senegal had to come from behind to salvage a point against an organised Congo.
It was a ruthless performance from Sudan. Abdel Raouf Yagoub struck two deadly blows ealry in the second half to kill off any Nogerian resistance. The Super Eagles were already on the chopping block after an own goal from Leonard Ngenge and Walieldin Khdir’s penalty had them two goals down before the break.
“We committed a lot of mistakes. Four goals, four mistakes for me. It’s simply our fault,” said the dejected head coach of Nigeria, Eric Chelle.
The Super Eagles will now watch the knockout stages from the comfort of their own homes. It was a humbling experience for one of Africa’s powerhouses.
“We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us. We have a third match to play for our honour and respect. But I am disappointed by this match. It is the worst game I’ve overseen from the dugout as coach,” lamentend Chelle
In their defence, the Sudan squad is largely the same one that is used for all other continental tournaments and qualifiers.
Defending champions Senegal had to come from a goal behind to salvage a point against a stubborn Congo. The Teranga Lions were restrsicted to just one shot on target in 60 minutes.
Dechan Moussavou’s early strike gave Congo the surprise lead, with Joseph Layousse’s late goal saving Senegal. Both teams are now looking to make it to the knockout stages with one game to go in Group D. Congo play the eliminated Nigeria while Senegal will engage in winner-take-all duel with Sudan.
