PANA Describes How Sudan Stunned Algeria in the CHAN quarterfinals

Dar es Salaam – Sudanhorizon– Agencies
Sudan qualified for the semifinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties in Zanzibar, setting up a semifinal clash with Madagascar.
The “Falcons of Jediane” team maintained their composure in the thrilling penalty shootout at Aman Stadium in Zanzibar after the 120-minute stalemate ended 1-1. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abuja was the hero of the match, denying the Algerian scorers to score in two penalties.
CAF Online reported that coach Kwesi Appiah’s team, which topped Group D, remains unbeaten in the tournament and continues its impressive form.
Both teams entered the match with high expectations, bolstered by the mutual respect expressed by their coaches on the eve of the match. Algeria’s coach, Madjid Bougherra, praised Sudan’s progress under Appiah, while the Ghanaian coach insisted his team would not back down.
The match started brightly, with chances on both sides, but no breakthrough in a tense first half.
Sudan thought they had taken the lead at the end of the first half, but Algerian goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfia saved Salah Adel’s shot.
The second half ended with Sudan leading with a disastrous goal.
The Algerian goalkeeper saved Musa Hussein’s shot, but Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala put the ball into his own net, giving Sudan the lead in the 48th minute.
The Desert Foxes, who were undefeated in their last 10 CHAN matches, showed great resilience. They pushed forward aggressively, and their pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Sofiane Bayazid fired in a powerful shot from close range after sustained attacks.
From then on, the two teams traded attacks. Mohamed Tia Assad almost scored for Sudan with a header, while Abuja made two brilliant saves from Ayman Mahious in extra time.
Injuries and substitutions disrupted the tempo of the game, but neither side managed to find the other’s net.
With the match tied 1-1 after 120 minutes, the spectre of a penalty shootout loomed.
In the shootout, Walideddine Kheder and Mohamed Ahmed Said confidently converted for Sudan, as did Bayazid and Mahious for Algeria.
But then, the story escalated. An inspired Abuja saved penalties from Mehdi Margham and Zakaria Draoui, while Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Assad settled the match for Sudan. The Falcons won 4-2, sparking wild celebrations among the Sudanese and Zanzibari fans.
With the victory, Sudan secured its third-ever qualification to the CHAN semi-finals, continuing its run of 4-0 wins over Nigeria and a draw with defending champions Senegal.
Sudan will now face Madagascar at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, August 26.
Meanwhile, 2022 finalists Algeria were eliminated early, marking a painful end to their unbeaten run. Their wait for a title continues.
In the other semi-final, Morocco will face defending champions Senegal in Kampala later the same day in a heavyweight clash that will secure a place for one of Africa’s giants in the final.
Source: Pan African News Agency (PANA)

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