Senegal secured a hard-fought third-place finish at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging Sudan 4–2 in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The match, which ended 1–1 in regulation time, delivered a tense and emotional contest between two sides seeking redemption following semi-final defeats. With no extra time played in the third-place fixture, penalties ultimately decided the bronze medal winner, and Senegal held their nerve to claim victory.
The match began with high intensity, and Sudan wasted no time in asserting themselves. In just the 6th minute, Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest in the box to meet a well-delivered corner kick, guiding a powerful header into the back of the net to give Sudan an early advantage. The goal set the tone for a combative first half, with both teams demonstrating urgency and physicality. Sudan, compact and disciplined in midfield, managed to frustrate Senegal’s attacking rhythm for much of the opening period.
Senegal, however, emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Coach Souleymane Diallo’s side pressed higher up the pitch and began creating more opportunities through the wings. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Ousseynou Seck whipped in a precise cross from the right flank, finding Seyni Ndiaye, who nodded home the equalizer with a composed finish. The goal revitalized the Senegalese side, who continued to push forward in search of a winner, but Sudan held firm defensively, ensuring the match proceeded straight to penalties.
In the shootout, Senegal displayed remarkable composure. Every player stepped up with confidence, converting all four of their attempts with clinical precision. Sudan, on the other hand, faltered under pressure, missing two crucial penalties. The Senegalese players erupted in celebration as their final penalty sealed a 4–2 victory, marking a triumphant end to their campaign.
Coach Diallo lauded his team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to bounce back from the disappointment of the semi-final loss. He praised the mental strength of his squad, many of whom play in the domestic league and have limited exposure to high-stakes international fixtures. For Sudan, coach Kwesi Appiah expressed pride in his team's spirited performance despite the result. He emphasized the challenges his players faced in preparation due to domestic instability and limited training time, making their competitiveness in the tournament all the more commendable.
The match capped an impressive CHAN journey for both sides, showcasing the depth of talent in African domestic football. While Senegal claimed the bronze, both nations earned praise for their efforts, passion, and the quality of football on display. With the tournament drawing to a close, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated final between Morocco and Madagascar in Nairobi, where the CHAN 2024 champions will be crowned.