Sudan booked a their semi-final place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in Zanzibar on Sunday.
A remarkable penalty shoot-out performance from goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja proved decisive as the Falcons of Jediane maintained their perfect tournament record whilst ending Algeria’s impressive 10-match unbeaten streak in the competition.
Pre-match expectations were heightened by the mutual admiration expressed between both camps, with Algeria boss Madjid Bougherra acknowledging Sudan’s transformation under Appiah’s stewardship. The Ghanaian tactician, meanwhile, promised an attacking approach rather than defensive containment.
The opening period proved a cagey affair at the Amaan Stadium, with neither side able to establish clear superiority despite half-chances falling to both teams.
Sudan appeared to have broken the deadlock just before the interval when Salah Adil found space in the box, only for Algeria goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya to produce an outstanding reaction save.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes into the second half, though not through the quality many had anticipated. Musa Hussien’s effort was parried by Bouhalfaya, but the loose ball struck the unfortunate Ayoub Ghezala and ricocheted into the net for an own goal.
Algeria’s response demonstrated the character that had carried them through 10 consecutive CHAN matches without defeat. The Desert Foxes increased their tempo significantly, launching wave after wave of attacks against Sudan’s increasingly stretched defence.
Their persistence paid dividends on 73 minutes when Soufiane Bayazid capitalised on a goalmouth scramble, bundling the ball home from close range to restore parity.
The remainder of regulation time saw both sides create promising opportunities. Mohamed Tia Asad’s header narrowly missed the target for Sudan, while Algeria’s Aimen Mahious tested Abooja with two fierce drives that required excellent saves.
Extra time failed to produce a decisive goal despite several near-misses, with fatigue and tactical substitutions disrupting the flow of play.
The penalty shoot-out began in conventional fashion, with Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed finding the net for Sudan, matched by successful conversions from Bayazid and Mahious.
However, Abooja’s moment of glory arrived with Algeria’s third and fourth penalties. The Sudan custodian dived brilliantly to deny Mehdi Merghem before repeating the feat against Zakaria Draoui, leaving Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Asad to complete a famous 4-2 victory.
The triumph marks Sudan’s third CHAN semi-final appearance, building upon a group stage that included a stunning 4-0 victory over Nigeria and an impressive draw with defending champions Senegal.
Sudan will now meet Madagascar at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 local time.
For Algeria, the defeat represents a significant disappointment having reached the 2022 final. Their quest for a maiden CHAN title must wait at least another two years, with their tournament-best unbeaten run ending in the cruellest fashion.
The semi-final draw sets up an intriguing clash between Sudan and Madagascar, while the other last-four encounter features Morocco against holders Senegal in Kampala – guaranteeing at least one traditional powerhouse will contest the final.
