Senegal secured third place at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The Lions of Teranga, defending champions from the last edition, bounced back from their semi-final heartbreak against Morocco to claim back-to-back podium finishes in the tournament.

Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, struck first in the sixth minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to head home Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner. With goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja pulling off a string of brilliant saves, the Falcons of Jediane held their lead into halftime.

Senegal, however, regrouped strongly after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye powered in a header from Ousseynou Seck’s pinpoint cross. The equaliser sparked a dominant spell for Senegal, though Sudan remained dangerous on the counter and continued to test goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

With no extra time in the bronze medal clash, penalties decided the outcome. Sudan faltered as Walieldin Khdir missed the target and Musab Makeen was denied by Diouf. Senegal, in contrast, were flawless, converting all four of their spot-kicks through Layousse, Kane, Cissé, and Guèye to seal a 4-2 victory.

Though coach Souleymane Diallo’s side fell short of retaining their crown, they extended their unbeaten record in open play at CHAN to 10 matches—a testament to the depth and consistency of the squad. Diallo praised his players’ resilience and maturity in bouncing back from their semi-final disappointment.

For Sudan, the loss was painful but far from shameful. Despite limited preparation and the backdrop of ongoing conflict at home, Appiah’s charges reached the semi-finals, eliminating Nigeria and pushing Madagascar to their limits. Their run earned admiration across the continent, with Appiah hailing his squad’s courage and resilience.

Attention now shifts to Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where Morocco will battle Madagascar for the coveted CHAN 2024 crown.