Sudan advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a nerve-shredding 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Algeria in Zanzibar on Saturday.
The Falcons of Jediane, unbeaten so far in the tournament, now set up a last-four clash with Madagascar.
After a scrappy but tense first half at the Amaan Stadium, Sudan edged ahead in the 48th minute when Musa Hussien’s effort was parried and Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala inadvertently turned the rebound into his own net.
Algeria, who came into the contest on a 10-match unbeaten CHAN run, hit back in the 73rd minute through Soufiane Bayazid’s close-range finish.
With both teams refusing to relent, the match spilled into extra time. Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad came close with a header, while Aimen Mahious forced two crucial saves from Mohamed Abooja, who was beginning to look like the game’s defining figure.
When neither side could find a winner after 120 minutes, penalties loomed. Sudan held their composure, with Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed converting confidently.
Algeria matched early on through Bayazid and Mahious, but the turning point arrived when Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui were denied by the inspired Abooja. Ahmed Tabanja and Asad then sealed a 4-2 triumph, sending Sudan’s players and fans into wild celebrations.
The result booked Sudan’s third-ever CHAN semi-final appearance, underlining the remarkable progress made under coach Kwesi Appiah. Having already beaten Nigeria 4-0 and held champions Senegal in the group stage, the Falcons continue to soar.
Algeria, finalists in 2022, exit the competition in frustration, their unbeaten streak snapped and their wait for a first CHAN crown extended.
Sudan now turn their focus to Tuesday’s semi-final in Dar es Salaam, where a date with Madagascar beckons.
