Sudan Edge Algeria on Penalties to Reach CHAN 2024 Semi-Finals

Aman Stadium, Tanzania – Saturday, 23rd August 2025

Sudan sealed a place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Aman Stadium in Tanzania.

After a goalless first half in which both sides squandered several clear opportunities, the deadlock was finally broken just three minutes after the restart. Sudan’s Ayoub Ghezala gave the Falcons of Jediane the lead in the 48th minute when Algeria’s attempted goal-line clearance deflected off him and rolled into the back of the net.

The Desert Foxes fought back strongly, and in the 73rd minute Soufiane Bayazid leveled matters, tapping home from close range after winning an aerial duel with the Sudanese goalkeeper. The equalizer forced the match into extra time, which also ended without further goals.

The drama then unfolded in the penalty shootout. Mehdi Merghem missed Algeria’s third spot kick, while Sudan’s Yaser Boshara saw his effort from the fourth penalty saved. With the scores level, Zackaria Draoui squandered Algeria’s final attempt, leaving Mohammad Tia to calmly convert the decisive penalty and spark wild celebrations among the Sudanese camp.

Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohammed El Nour, who turned away two penalties in the shootout, was deservedly named Man of the Match for his heroics between the posts.

Sudan, under the guidance of head coach Kwesi Appiah, will now face Madagascar in the semi-finals on 26th August 2025 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.