Sudan hold champions Senegal to seal top spot in CHAN Group D
The result ensured Sudan topped Group D on goal difference, with holders Senegal progressing in second place.
At the same time, Nigeria defeated Congo 2-0 in Dar es Salaam, but the Super Eagles' late push was not enough to dislodge the two unbeaten sides. Stalemate with High Stakes
It was billed as the decisive match of Group D, and it lived up to the occasion, even without goals.
Sudan, rejuvenated under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, came into the fixture brimming with belief after their 4-0 dismantling of Nigeria.
Senegal, the reigning champions, knew only defeat could eliminate them but were equally determined to secure top spot.
Both sides traded chances in a cagey first half. Senegal's Pape Badji twice came close — first dragging a shot wide from the edge of the six-yard box before seeing another effort fly off target.
At the other end, Sudan tested goalkeeper Marc Diouf through Abdel Raouf Yagoub, whose strike from distance was well gathered.
The drama reached boiling point in stoppage time of the first half when Sudan appealed for a penalty, only for VAR to rule no infringement, to the relief of Souleymane Diallo's Senegalese side. A Fierce Midfield Battle
The second half mirrored the first — fast, physical, and fiercely contested.
Sudan's Musa Hussien had the best opening for the Cranes, shooting over from close range, while Mohamed Tia Asad also missed narrowly after coming off the bench.
Senegal, meanwhile, looked to Libasse Guèye for inspiration, but Sudan's disciplined backline repelled the danger.
The champions' frustrations boiled over when Mbaye Yaya Ly was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, leaving Senegal to finish with ten men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Sudan had little time to capitalise, and the game ended with honours even. Group D Settled
The stalemate meant both teams finished level on five points, but Sudan's superior goal difference (+4 compared to Senegal's +1) secured them first place.
In Dar es Salaam, Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Congo lifted them to third with three points, while Congo bowed out bottom with two.
For Nigeria, the result was bittersweet. They delivered their best display of the tournament, but their earlier defeats left them short of qualification. Appiah's Sudan Stay Unbeaten
Kwesi Appiah's tenure has transformed Sudan into one of the competition's most disciplined and adventurous sides.
The Ghanaian coach promised his team would attack, and though they did not score, Sudan again showed the organisation and resilience that have kept them unbeaten for almost a year.
Captain Fares Abdullah and his side celebrated with their fans at full time, knowing they had made history by reaching the CHAN knockout stages in style. Quarter-Final Picture
The draw sets up a tantalising last-eight line-up. Sudan will remain in Zanzibar to face Algeria, while Senegal travel to Kampala to meet hosts Uganda, in what promises to be a fiery clash in front of a packed Mandela National Stadium.
With all three co-hosts — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — already through, and defending champions Senegal still in the mix, the quarter-finals are shaping up to be a festival of football with huge crowds expected.
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