Defending champions Senegal kicked off their title defense at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their Group D opener at Amaan
Christian Gomis scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, finishing a swift counter-attack initiated by substitute Moctar Koïté. Despite Nigeria’s late push for an equalizer, Senegal’s defense, marshaled by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, stood firm to secure the win.
The tightly contested match saw both sides create chances but lacked clinical finishing in the first half. Nigeria, returning to CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, showed early aggression but failed to capitalize, with Sikiru Alimi and Jabbar Malik coming closest for the Super Eagles.
Senegal’s tactical changes in the second half proved pivotal, with Koïté’s pace on the flank leading to Gomis’ winner. Nigeria introduced Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje late on but couldn’t find a breakthrough, leaving coach Éric Chelle’s side needing a strong response in upcoming fixtures against Congo and Sudan.
The victory extends Senegal’s unbeaten streak against West African sides at CHAN and marks their sixth 1-0 win in tournament history, showcasing their defensive resilience. Coach Souleymane Diallo praised his team’s composure, saying they felt “no pressure” defending the title.
With this result, Senegal tops Group D, while Nigeria sits at the bottom with work to do in their bid for a quarter-final spot.
In the other Group D clash, Congo and Sudan shared the spoils in a dramatic 1-1 draw at the same venue.
Sudan took the lead in the 29th minute through Musa Hussien, who capitalized on a rebound after Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba’s initial save. Despite chances from Chadrac Osseby and Charles Atipo, Congo entered halftime trailing.
A triple substitution by Congo coach Barthélemy Ngatsono in the second half shifted momentum, with Carly Ekongo emerging as the hero. In the 86th minute, Ekongo pounced on a loose ball in the Sudanese box to smash home the equalizer, sparking wild celebrations.
Sudan nearly restored their lead in stoppage time, but Samba made crucial saves to preserve the point. The result ends Congo’s three-match goal drought at CHAN, while Sudan’s winless run in open play stretches to five matches.
Looking ahead, Congo will face Senegal next, while Sudan prepares for a pivotal encounter with Nigeria as Group D remains finely balanced.
Sports247.ng
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