Category: Sport News

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Sudan advance to CHAN semis after penalty shootout victory over Algeria

Sudan continued their impressive journey in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a stunning quarter-final win over Algeria in Zanzibar.

The match ended 1-1, with Sudan triumphing 4-2 in penalties, showcasing their discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unwavering belief, according to CAF Technical Study Group member Michael Amenga Okoth.

Despite Algeria entering as heavy favorites, Sudan’s strategy involved selective pressing and compact defensive organization, which led to an own goal early in the second half after Musa Hussien’s shot was parried.

Amenga emphasized that this reflected a clear tactical plan from coach Kwesi Appiah, as Sudan focused on resilience over possession.

Even after Algeria equalized through Soufiane Bayazid, Sudan’s defense remained steadfast, expertly blocking central access and maintaining composure under pressure. When the match went to penalties, goalkeeper Mohamed ‘Abooja’ Alnour Adam Saeed saved two spot-kicks, helping Sudan advance to the semi-finals.

Sudan’s impressive physical conditioning allowed them to compete fiercely for 120 minutes, and their disciplined midfield play was crucial in thwarting Algeria’s attempts to dominate. The players’ emotional drive, fueled by their challenging circumstances back home, added an extra layer of motivation, leading to their unforgettable semi-final matchup against Madagascar.

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis
by FSL News

Defending champions Senegal beat Uganda to reach CHAN semis

Defending champions Senegal overcame co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-final match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Oumar Ba scored the decisive goal shortly after the 60-minute mark, showcasing Senegal’s tournament experience against a passionate crowd of over 35,000.

The goal came from a cross by Libasse Guèye that found Ba at the far post, allowing him to place a low shot past goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa.

While Uganda fought valiantly, becoming the first team to reach the knockout rounds, they struggled to convert opportunities. Allan Okello had a powerful shot saved, and Gavin Kizito just missed with a header.

Senegal’s strong defense, led by goalkeeper Marc Diouf and central defenders Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm against Uganda’s advances. Despite Uganda having more shots, they lacked the composure shown by Senegal.

The match marked a historic achievement for Uganda, who had never reached this stage before and finished first in their group. Coach Morley Byekwaso emphasised the team would learn and return stronger. Defensive masterclass! Ndiaye’s commanding display earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.

Senegal will face Madagascar in the semi-finals, while Uganda’s journey in CHAN 2024 lays the groundwork for future success.

Burkina Faso's Dango Ouattara's nets debut goal for Brentford
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara nets debut goal for Brentford

Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara scored on his debut for Brentford a their 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in their first home match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

The 23-year-old’s 12th-minute finish was the difference as Keith Andrews’ team celebrated their first win at Gtech Community Stadium. Ouattara started just a week after signing, alongside Jordan Henderson, who also made his full debut.

In a tribute to former club chair Dan Tana, the Bees observed a minute’s applause before kick-off, wearing black armbands.

Damsgaard had the first chance of the match early on, but his effort went wide. Brentford took the lead through Ouattara, who scored after a rebound from an initial save by Emiliano Martínez.

Brentford’s Kayode made significant contributions with long throws, leading to a blocked attempt by Henderson. Aston Villa’s first chances came from set-pieces, with Schade and Kelleher making key saves. Damsgaard’s volley was ruled out by VAR for a foul.

Late in the first half, Ollie Watkins’ shot was also blocked, and Kayode’s challenge prevented Villa from equalizing early in the second half. Onana’s shot was blocked after Watkins set him up, and Thiago missed the chance to extend the lead with a wide shot in the final minutes.

In the second half, Kayode again played a crucial role, blocking a shot from Onana after a setup from Watkins. Thiago had another opportunity to score but also shot wide in the closing moments.

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco advance after win over Tanzania in CHAN quarter-final

Morocco defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, ending Tanzania’s remarkable tournament run.

The match, held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, saw Oussama Lamlaoui score the sole goal in the 65th minute, assisted by Youssef Belammari.

The game was tightly contested, with Tanzania creating chances through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but Morocco’s goalkeeper, El Mehdi Al Harrar, made crucial saves. As the match progressed, Morocco began to take control, with Lamlaoui being a constant threat.

Despite trailing, Tanzania continued to press for an equalizer, with Mzize nearly scoring with a header and substitute Nassor Saadun missing a late opportunity. Morocco’s defense, led by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm to secure the win.

This victory marks Morocco’s seventh consecutive win in CHAN knockout rounds since 2014. Though their tournament ends at this stage, Tanzania can take pride in their achievement of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, boasting the best defensive record and showcasing the potential of East African football.

Morocco now looks forward to the semi-finals in pursuit of their third title.

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

Co-hosts Kenya of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), was shocked on Thursday as their team, the Harambee Stars, lost to Madagascar in a penalty shootout during the opening quarterfinal at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Madagascar came back from a goal down to equalize, sending Kenya home after defender Alphonce Omija missed his penalty kick. As a result, they advanced to the CHAN semis after wining 4-3 on penalties at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on August 22, 2025.

Madagascar defended strongly against a fierce Kenyan attack in the first half, with goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa making crucial saves. In the second half, Kenya took the lead when Boniface Muchiri’s free kick was headed in by Alphonce Omija in the 48th minute.

Madagascar quickly equalized with a penalty converted by Fenohasina Razafimaro after a handball by Kenya’s Lewis Esambe Bandi.

The match remained tied despite chances from both teams, leading to extra time, where Kenya struggled to break through Madagascar’s defense.

After no changes in score during extra time, the match went to penalties. Madagascar will face the winner of the Sudan-Algeria match in the semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Meanwhile, Tanzania will compete against Morocco in another quarterfinal on Thursday.