Senegal and Sudan secured their places in the quarter-finals of CHAN 2025 after a tense and goalless draw at Amaan Stadium on Tuesday night.
The encounter, eagerly anticipated as a clash between two title contenders, failed to produce the attacking fireworks fans had hoped for. The reigning champions, the Lions of Teranga, struggled to impose themselves, while the Sudan Falcons opted for a disciplined, defensive setup that left few spaces for penetration.
From the opening whistle, the match was defined by intense midfield battles and physical duels.
Senegal dominated possession but found it difficult to breach Sudan’s defensive barrier. The most contentious moment of the first half came when Sudan appeared to win a penalty after contact with Oumar Ba in the Senegalese box. VAR intervention overturned the decision, ruling that the contact did not merit a foul.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides content to settle for a point that would secure their progression. Sudan threatened on the counter, particularly in the 60th minute when Hussein was left unmarked in front of goal, only to misfire.
Senegal made attacking substitutions, bringing on Ousseynou Seck and Vieux Cissé, but were unable to break the deadlock.
The result leaves Sudan top of Group D with five points and a superior goal difference, setting up a quarter-final clash against Algeria, second in Group C. Senegal also advances with five points, finishing second in the group, and will face hosts Uganda in the knockout stage.
The Lions of Teranga will be without midfielder Abdou Yaya Ly, who was sent off late in the match and will miss the quarter-final due to suspension.
Elsewhere, Nigeria ended their CHAN 2025 campaign on a high note, defeating Congo 2-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Goals from Anas Opkadibu Yusuf Ayitonu (56′) and Sikiru Adewale Alimi (90+3′) allowed the Super Eagles to finish third in the group with three points, ahead of Congo, who occupy the bottom spot with two points.
Tuesday’s results set the stage for an intriguing quarter-final lineup as the tournament moves into the knockout phase.
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