Sudan Clinches Semifinal Spot with Penalty Shootout Win Over Algeria in Thrilling CHAN Clash

Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane defied the odds and booked their place in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semifinals after a nerve-wracking 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria. The dramatic encounter, held at Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium on August 22, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of intense and tactical football, with Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja emerging as the hero with two vital penalty saves.

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Summary: Sudden Death Drama Sends Sudan Through

• Sudan and Algeria battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
• Sudan opened the scoring via an own goal by Algeria’s Ayoub Ghezala in the 48th minute.
• Algeria fought back late through Soufiane Bayazid in the 73rd minute to level the scores.
• Both teams created chances in extra time but failed to find the winner.
• In the shootout, Sudan converted four penalties to Algeria’s two, clinching a 4-2 win.
• Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja’s crucial saves made him the standout performer in the shootout.
• Sudan now advances to face Madagascar in the semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

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A Match Filled with Grit and Resilience

Both sides approached the match with confidence and mutual respect. Sudan entered the game unbeaten in the tournament under coach Kwesi Appiah, while Algeria, led by Madjid Bougherra, was chasing to extend an impressive unbeaten CHAN run.

The first half was cagey, with tight defenses limiting clear chances. Early in the second half, Sudan took the lead in a twist of fate when a saved shot from Musa Hussien was deflected into the Algerian net by defender Ayoub Ghezala.

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Algeria’s Fighting Spirit Levels the Score

Refusing to be subdued, Algeria relentlessly pushed forward, their efforts rewarded in the 73rd minute. Soufiane Bayazid bundled the ball home from close range after sustained pressure, reigniting the hopes of the Desert Foxes and setting the stage for a pulsating finish.

Both teams exchanged attacking threats through extra time, with Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Algeria’s Aimen Mahious coming close, but neither could find a breakthrough.

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Penalty Shootout Heroics

The tension shifted to penalties where Sudan held their nerve. Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed were calm and composed, converting their penalties confidently.

Algeria’s Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui had their shots brilliantly saved by Mohamed Abooja, whose heroics under pressure sealed the win for Sudan.

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What This Victory Means for Sudan

This victory secures Sudan’s third-ever CHAN semifinal appearance and cements their return to prominence in African football. The team has shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Nigeria and holding defending champions Senegal to a draw.

Sudan will now face Madagascar in a highly anticipated semifinal clash at Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on August 26. Algeria’s impressive unbeaten run in CHAN ended in heartbreak as they missed out on another shot at the title.

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Sudan’s triumph in Zanzibar was a testament to their determination, teamwork, and emerging talent, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal showdown as CHAN 2025 heads into its final stages.