THE TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 kicked off with a pulsating 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium on Tuesday night, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
In the opening Group D fixture, both nations demonstrated the grit and determination that defines CHAN, the biennial competition exclusively featuring players from domestic African leagues. The match marked the first-ever encounter between these two sides at the tournament level, and it did not disappoint the lively crowd in attendance.
Sudan strike first, Congo respond late
Sudan looked the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges, with their attacking intent clear from the first whistle. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute through striker Musa Hussien, who showed predatory instincts to convert a rebound after his initial effort was blocked by Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba. The goal capped a period of sustained pressure that had seen Salah Adil head wide from close range earlier in the half.
Congo, beginning their fifth CHAN campaign, struggled to find their rhythm in the first 45 minutes despite efforts from Chadrac Osseby and Charles Atipo. The Red Devils went into the break trailing 1-0, prompting head coach Barthélemy Ngatsono to make decisive changes.
The introduction of Carly Ekongo, Grace Mavoungou, and Grace Nsemi on the hour mark proved transformative. The triple substitution injected fresh energy into Congo’s play and helped them wrestle back control of the midfield battle.
Late Drama Delivers Historic Moment
As the match entered its dying moments, both sides pushed for decisive goals. Sudan came agonizingly close to sealing victory in the 92nd minute when Mazin Simbo’s header was brilliantly saved by the impressive Samba, who had been Congo’s standout performer throughout the evening.
That save proved crucial as Congo found their equalizer just four minutes later. After sustained pressure in the Sudanese penalty area, Ekongo pounced on a loose ball and fired home a low finish from close range, sparking wild celebrations from the Congolese bench and ending a significant drought for the team.
The goal marked Congo’s first in open play in over three CHAN matches, breaking a scoreless run that stretched back to 2020. For Sudan, the result extended their winless streak in open play at CHAN to five matches, though it represented improvement from their disappointing 2022 campaign.
The match concluded amid rising tensions, with stoppage time extending to ten minutes as both teams desperately sought a winner. Tempers occasionally flared, but the officials maintained control as the contest reached its dramatic conclusion.
Nigeria vs Senegal: Continental giants set for Group B showdown
While Group D provided the opening fireworks, attention now turns to Tuesday’s highly anticipated Group B clash between Nigeria and Senegal, a meeting between two of African football’s most storied nations.
Super Eagles Riding Wave of National Success
Nigeria’s preparations have been buoyed by recent sporting achievements across multiple disciplines. Speaking at the pre-match media briefing in Zanzibar, Super Eagles player Junior Nduka acknowledged the weight of expectation while drawing inspiration from the country’s recent successes.
“To our fellow Nigerians, I know the expectations are high because we have been doing well in sports and we will try our best not to let them down,” Nduka stated. “Our female team has just won the WAFCON and our women’s team just won the basketball title. It’s a good record for the country and we hope to consolidate on that.”
The midfielder, viewed as one of the team’s leaders, understands that this momentum creates both opportunity and pressure as Nigeria seeks to make their mark on the continental stage.
Chelle maintains focus on immediate challenge
Head coach Éric Chelle, the former Mali international now guiding Nigeria’s local-based squad, emphasized a methodical approach to the tournament. When pressed about Nigeria’s other Group D opponents Congo and Sudan, Chelle remained diplomatically focused.
“I don’t wanna talk about Congo or Sudan for now,” the tactician explained. “Our focus is on our first match tomorrow, we wanna take each game as it comes and take it step by step. Now we face Senegal before we can talk about Congo and Sudan.”
Chelle downplayed suggestions of rivalry while acknowledging the significance of the fixture. “I don’t think it’s a derby but this is a game between two big countries in Africa. They have a history in football. Senegal have a good generation and a good team.”
The coach confirmed that preparations have been thorough, with the team ready to implement their tactical plans against a Senegalese side renowned for their physicality, pace, and tactical discipline.
Tournament stakes rising
The stage is set for a compelling encounter between two nations with rich footballing traditions. Nigeria’s squad, composed entirely of players from the domestic league, will face their sternest test against a Senegal team known for their athletic prowess and tactical sophistication.
As the tournament progresses, both Group B and Group D are shaping up to be tightly contested affairs where every point could prove crucial in determining knockout stage qualification. The opening day’s drama between Congo and Sudan has set a high bar, and all eyes will be on whether Nigeria and Senegal can match that intensity when they take to the pitch.
With the defending champions Senegal looking to retain their crown and Nigeria seeking to reclaim continental glory, Tuesday’s showdown promises to be another memorable chapter in CHAN 2024’s unfolding story.
