Effort and resilience: Diallo and Appiah praise overcoming challenges at CHAN 2024
At the iconic Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Senegal secured the bronze medal of the eighth edition of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) by defeating Sudan 4-2 in a penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw in regular time. The match highlighted not only the technical quality of both teams but also their resilience and strategic adaptability.
Sudan, led by coach James Appiah, adopted a cautious approach with a 5-3-2 formation prioritizing defensive solidity and midfield compactness. “Good evening. Personally, I believe that when you enter a competition, the goal is always to win. But given the circumstances our team faces, I am 100% satisfied with the position we achieved,” Appiah said after the game.
The Sudanese team remained reactive, waiting for the right moment to launch counterattacks. This strategy allowed Sudan to take an early lead with a goal from Mohamed Tia Asad and demonstrated the team’s ability to adapt under adversity. “Over the past two years, working with the Sudan national team has been a challenge... Even so, as a coach, I always try to prepare them as best as possible for the matches,” Appiah added, recalling the obstacles the team faced, from the lack of regular championships to personal challenges experienced by the players.
On the Senegalese side, coach Souleymane Diallo opted for an offensive and dynamic approach, emphasizing high pressing and exploiting the flanks with an aggressive 4-3-3 formation. The team’s rapid and coordinated transitions aimed to break Sudan’s defensive structure and create scoring opportunities. The equalizer only came in the second half of the second period when S. Ndiaye converted a chance inside the box.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Senegalese Football Federation for the trust placed in me since the beginning of the preparations. It was not easy at first, but today I believe the team’s performance deserves recognition,” Diallo said. Regarding the penalty shootout, the coach emphasized the team’s preparation and technique: “It is important for players to understand that penalties are not just about luck. It’s about technique, training, and strategy. Our players showed they were ready, and that was decisive in winning the penalty series.”
During the match, both coaches made strategic substitutions, adjusting their teams as the game unfolded. Appiah reinforced the defense and maintained vigilance during transitions, while Diallo sought to increase offensive intensity and sustain pressure on the opponent.
“As for the final result, yes, we came with the ambition to win the tournament, but we played six games, won three, and finished the campaign undefeated. We couldn’t retain the title, but we earned the bronze medal, and for that, we thank Allah,” concluded the Senegalese coach, highlighting his team’s collective effort and the importance of fan support.
The clash between Sudan and Senegal showcased tactical diversity and the growth of African football. On one side, Sudan’s resilience and defensive organization; on the other, Senegal’s offensive intensity and coordination. In the end, the penalty shootout victory crowned Senegal with bronze, but both teams demonstrated determination, talent, and the ability to overcome challenges, keeping the prestige of CHAN alive on the continent.
