By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (August 29^th 2025)

Teranga Lions take Bronze

Sénégal’s Teranga Lions – the CHAN champions on 2022’s tournament, which was held in Algeria two years ago – were eliminated by previous champions Morocco in the semi-final, so they had to settle for the bronze medal in Kampala after beating Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane 4-2 on penalties after drawing 1-1 at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium.

Mohamed Tia Abu Daqn gave Sudan the lead after 6 minutes with a header from Abdel Yagoub’s corner, a lead they maintained until half-time and beyond thanks in no small measure to the heroics of goalkeeper, Mohamed Abooja. Sénégal equalised after 58 minutes through Seyni Ndiaye, the player whose missed penalty was crucial in the defeat against Morocco. Ndiaye’s equaliser was a header – Ousseynou Seck’s cross from the flank. Sudan thwarted Sénégal, who had the better of the rest of normal time and extra time too, but could not find a way past Abooja. There was no further score, including the 30 minutes of added time.

Walieldin Khdir let nerves get to him – he pulled his spot-kick wide. Meanwhile the Teranga Lions were flawless from the spot, with Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé and Libasse Guèye scoring all four of their penalties. While Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja scored for Sudan, but Marc Diouf saved Musab Hussein’s effort, allowing the Teranga Lions to finish the tie.

Kwesi Appiah praised his team’s efforts, pointing out that they had only had limited preparations and had to cope with a league disrupted by the domestic situation in Sudan – conflict and famine still ravage the country.