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Sudan and Senegal Set for Bronze Medal Clash at CHAN 2024 in Kampala
The 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will see Sudan and Senegal face off in the bronze medal match on Friday night in Kampala, as both teams seek to end their campaigns on a high note after falling short of the final.
For Sudan, this fixture represents familiar territory. The East Africans are competing in the third-place play-off for a record third time, having previously featured in 2011 and 2018. History is on their side, as they won both of those encounters: a 1-0 win over Algeria in 2011 and a penalty shootout victory against Libya in 2018. This time, they will aim to extend that perfect record and secure a third bronze medal.
However, their recent form poses questions. Sudan are winless in their last three games (two draws and one defeat) and were heartbreakingly eliminated in the semi-final by Madagascar, who scored in the 116th minute. Still, the team has shown promise in attack, scoring six goals—their highest tally in a single CHAN edition. Forward Abdel Raouf Yagoub, with two goals, leads their scoring chart and will be central to their hopes. Notably, Sudan has a strong reputation in penalty shootouts, winning three of their four in CHAN history.
For Senegal, the defending champions, the bronze medal match is uncharted ground. They become the first reigning champions to contest a third-place play-off after being knocked out dramatically by Morocco in the semi-finals. The Lions of Teranga fought bravely but were eliminated on penalties after a 1-1 draw, continuing their mixed record in shootouts, having lost two of their three CHAN tiebreakers.
Still, Senegal boasts impressive resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last nine CHAN games in open play. Their attack has been modest, with just four goals scored by three different players, but they remain efficient. Joseph Layousse leads their scoring with two goals, while Libasse Guèye has been a key playmaker, providing two assists—the most for Senegal at the tournament.
Friday’s clash is therefore more than just a battle for bronze; it is a contest of consistency versus resilience. Sudan will lean on their history of success in this fixture and their knack for penalty shootouts, while Senegal will aim to prove their pedigree as defending champions by securing a podium finish.
With both sides determined not to leave Kampala empty-handed, fans can expect a tight, competitive encounter that may well be decided in extra time or even from the penalty spot.
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