Mohamed El Nour puts TotalEnergies MOTM performance down to Kwesi Appiah's calmness
Sudan's goalkeeper Mohamed El Nour has attributed his outstanding performance in the TotalEnergies quarter-final penalty shootout win against Algeria to the calm and composed approach of coach James Kwesi Appiah.
The keeper saved two to secure a 4-2 win against Algeria and book a semifinal berth. He credited Appiah for the individual and team exploits.
"The trainer's approach makes it easier for us to perform. The way he passes his instructions and motivates us. He is so calm and that really helps us," the stopper opined.
Sudan's goalkeeper, Mohamed El Nour, was the catalyst for his team's historic advancement to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship semifinals, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping prowess and penalty-saving expertise.
El Nour's outstanding performance in the quarterfinal match against Algeria on Saturday proved to be the deciding factor, as Sudan emerged victorious in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The match finished one-all after regular time, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
However, it was El Nour's textbook goalkeeping clinic that shone through in the penalty shootout, as he saved two spot-kicks to secure Sudan's 4-2 win in the shootout.
"My teammates deserve this award, though it's a personal accolade," El Nour said humbly after the match, crediting his team's success to their rigorous training and tactical approach.
El Nour's saves not only prevented Algeria from taking the lead but also boosted the confidence of his teammates who were under siege from the Desert Foxes for most parts.
As Sudan's first-choice goalkeeper throughout the competition, El Nour has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Kwesi Appiah's team has shown remarkable depth and diversity after coming out unscathed against Senegal, Nigeria and Congo in the group stage, and now, eliminating Algeria, with several players stepping up to deliver award-worthy performances.
As Sudan prepares to face Madagascar in the semifinals, El Nour's heroics will undoubtedly be a key factor in what may proved to be a battle of goalkeepers as Madagascar also rellies of Michel Ramandimbisoa who has backed four TotalEnergies man of the match awards in five outings in the competition.