When the final Group D match of CHAN 2024 wrapped up in a dull‑eyed 0‑0 stalemate, Sudan national football team emerged as group winners on goal difference, while the defending champions Senegal national football team slipped into second place and booked a quarter‑final slot. The drama unfolded at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 21:12 UTC. Both sides needed a point; a win would have handed Sudan the top spot outright, but the goalless draw was enough because of their earlier 4‑0 demolition of Nigeria.
- Sudan finished with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw) and a +4 goal‑difference.
- Senegal collected 5 points (1 win, 2 draws) and will travel to Kampala.
- Nigeria’s 2‑0 win over Congo wasn’t enough – they leave the tournament on 3 points.
- Quarter‑final pairings: Sudan vs Algeria (Zanzibar), Senegal vs Uganda (Kampala).
- CHAN is limited to players active in domestic African leagues, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations.
Group D: How Sudan Rose to the Top
Under the steady hand of Kwesi Appiah, coach of the Sudan side, the team entered the final round with confidence after a historic 4‑0 victory over Nigeria on August 12. That win not only boosted morale but also gave Sudan a superior goal‑difference cushion. In the decisive match, they pressed high, testing Senegal’s keeper Seck Ousseynou with long‑range shots from forward Abdel Raouf Yagoub.
“We knew a single point would suffice, but we wanted to go for the win,” Appiah said in the post‑match press conference. “Our players showed discipline, especially after the VAR decision on the penalty appeal in the first‑half stoppage time.” The VAR review, which denied Sudan a penalty, could have swung momentum, but the team kept composure.
Senegal's Championship Defense Continues
Led by Souleymane Diallo, coach of the Senegalese squad, the champions knew a draw would be enough to stay alive, yet the ambition was always to finish top. Pape Badji, Senegal’s sharp‑shooter, missed two clear chances in the first half – one from the edge of the six‑yard box, the other sailing over the bar. The missed opportunities frustrated the Senegalese fans, but the defense held firm.
Diallo later admitted, “We were nervous after the VAR call. The boys could have slipped, but they kept focus. A draw is a good result, but we aim to win our next game against Uganda.”
Key Moments and Player Performances
Both teams produced a handful of standout moments despite the barren scoreline:
- Pape Badji’s near‑miss – the forward’s header from seven yards struck the post in the 27th minute.
- Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s 30‑yard effort – a powerful strike that forced Seck Ousseynou into a spectacular save.
- The VAR drama – Sudan’s appeal for a penalty in first‑half stoppage time was reviewed for two minutes before being denied.
- Defensive organization – both backlines kept a clean sheet, marking a rare defensive showcase in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Seck Ousseynou, who has been praised throughout the competition, said, “The pressure was immense, especially after the VAR decision. I just tried to stay calm and stick to my basics.”
Quarter‑final Outlook: Sudan vs Algeria & Senegal vs Uganda
Sudan’s next challenge will be against the North African powerhouse Algeria national football team in Zanzibar. The Algerians, who topped Group B, bring a blend of experience and flair from their domestic league. Appiah warned, “Algeria is a tough opponent, but we have the momentum and the fans behind us.”
Meanwhile, Senegal travels to Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium to face hosts Uganda national football team. Uganda’s physical style and home‑crowd advantage could test Senegal’s technical game. Diallo stated, “Playing in front of a packed stadium in Kampala will be a true test of our resolve. We respect Uganda, but we are here to defend our title.”
What Makes CHAN Different from AFCON?
The African Nations Championship, or CHAN, is a unique tournament because it exclusively showcases players who ply their trade in domestic African leagues. That rule creates a platform for talent that might otherwise be overlooked by European‑based scouts. As a result, the competition often feels more grassroots‑oriented, with passionate local crowds and a distinct tactical flavor.
CAF (the Confederation of African Football) postponed the 2024 edition to 2025 due to scheduling conflicts and co‑hosted the event across four venues: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the semi‑autonomous region of Zanzibar. The format kept the group stage compact, with each team playing three matches. The top two from each group progress to the knockout stage – a set‑up that has already produced several surprise results, including Sudan’s unexpected surge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sudan’s advancement affect its football development?
Sudan’s run to the quarter‑finals shines a spotlight on its domestic league, attracting scouts and potential sponsorships. The exposure can boost investment in youth academies and improve training facilities, paving the way for a stronger national side in future AFCON qualifiers.
What are the chances Senegal will retain the CHAN title?
Senegal enters the quarter‑finals as favorites, thanks to a seasoned core of domestic players who have already shown composure under pressure. However, facing host Uganda on home soil adds uncertainty; a single lapse could end their defence.
Why was the CHAN tournament delayed from 2024 to 2025?
Scheduling conflicts with the FIFA international calendar and logistical challenges among the four co‑hosts forced CAF to push the tournament back by a year. The delay also allowed the host nations to finalize stadium upgrades and ensure proper COVID‑19 protocols.
Which players from this group are likely to move abroad after CHAN?
Top performers such as Sudan’s striker Abdel Raouf Yagoub and Senegal’s winger Pape Badji have already attracted interest from clubs in Egypt and Morocco. Their displays against quality opposition provide a solid résumé for overseas scouts.
When and where will the quarter‑final matches be played?
Sudan faces Algeria at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on August 24, 2025, while Senegal meets Uganda at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on the same day. Both matches kick off at 19:00 local time.
akshay sharma
October 11, 2025 AT 00:12Behold the glorious ascent of Sudan, a narrative that reads like a folk‑tale drenched in melodrama and strategic brilliance; the team's triumph is no mere fluke but a testament to tactical audacity that the footballing élite should have foreseen. Yet the pundits who dismissed them as underdogs must now lick their wounds and confront the glaring reality that African football is a living, breathing organism that rewards daring over complacency. The 0‑0 stalemate was a masterpiece of disciplined pressing, a silent scream that echoed through Amaan Stadium, leaving Senegal clutching at shadows of what could have been. One cannot help but marvel at Kwesi Appiah’s cerebral orchestration, a chessmaster moving pieces with the poise of a seasoned virtuoso. In short, Sudan’s victory is a clarion call to every doubter: the underdog’s roar is louder than any champion’s whisper.