African Nations Championship
Group D MD1 Results
Congo 1 South Sudan 1
Nigeria 0 Senagal 1
Zanzibar, Tanzania: Defending champions Senegal began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign with a narrow but significant 1-0 victory over West African rivals Nigeria on Tuesday night at the Amaan Stadium.
Christian Gomis struck the winner in the 75th minute, latching onto a perfect cross from substitute Moctar Koïté after a swift counterattack. The composed left-footed finish was enough to secure all three points in Group D’s headline fixture.
The Super Eagles, returning to the African Nations Championship for the first time since 2018, dominated midfield early through Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu but struggled to convert possession into clear chances.
Senegal’s shot-stopper Marc Diouf denied a fierce drive from Sikiru Alimi, while Moctar Koïté and Daouda Ba tested Nigeria’s backline in a scrappy, physical first half that produced multiple bookings.
In the second half, Nigeria introduced Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje to inject pace and creativity, with Temitope coming close to equalising. But a disciplined Senegal defence, marshalled by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, kept Nigeria at bay through seven substitutions and stoppage disruptions.
Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo praised his team’s focus. “We felt no pressure defending the title. The boys executed the plan well,” he said after the game.
The win sends Senegal to the top of Group D and continues their unbeaten CHAN record against fellow West African opposition.
Nigeria coach Éric Chelle acknowledged the result but said they remain focused. “It’s one game. We have two more chances to get it right,” he noted, referring to upcoming matches against Sudan and Congo.
Earlier in the day, Congo and Sudan played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in the other Group D clash.
Musa Hussien gave Sudan a first-half lead in the 29th minute, tapping in from close range after his initial effort was parried by Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba.
Congo found the equaliser deep into added time. Substitute Carly Ekongo struck from close range after sustained pressure, ending their three-match CHAN goal drought.
Sudan almost snatched victory, but Mazin Simbo’s header in the 92nd minute was superbly saved by Samba.
The draw extends Sudan’s winless streak in open play to five CHAN matches.
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