Defending champions Senegal kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a tightly contested Group D opener played at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar.
In a game dominated by fouls and stoppages rather than attacking flair, Christian Gomis proved the difference, scoring midway through the second half to seal all three points for the Lions of Teranga. Despite Nigeria enjoying the lion’s share of possession in both halves, their inability to create meaningful chances in the final third cost them dearly.
The match began with both teams showing early intent, but that was quickly derailed by persistent fouling and disrupted rhythm. Nigeria picked up their first yellow card within five minutes when Tochukwu was booked for a heavy challenge, and Senegal responded with a physical approach of their own. Ndiaye went into the referee’s book shortly after for halting a promising Nigerian break, setting the tone for what would become a cagey encounter.
Senegal had the first real sight of goal when Gomis pounced on a loose ball in the box following a free-kick but failed to trouble Nigeria’s goalkeeper Lawal with a tame effort. Nigeria began to settle after the half-hour mark, retaining possession more confidently and pushing higher up the pitch. Junior received Nigeria’s second yellow card after a head clash, but there was little else to separate the two sides as they went into the break goalless.
The second half resumed in similar fashion, with Nigeria again controlling possession but struggling to break through a disciplined Senegalese backline. The Super Eagles were dealt an early setback when Abdulrafiu was forced off due to injury after a collision, with Uzondu taking his place. Senegal gradually grew into the half and made their spell of pressure count in the 30th minute.
A defensive lapse by Nigeria allowed Koité to collect the ball near the edge of the box. He cleverly rounded Lawal and squared it to Gomis, who made no mistake from close range, tapping home what would turn out to be the winner.
Chasing the game, Nigeria made a flurry of substitutions in the final 15 minutes, bringing on Akanni, Malik, Obaje and Yusuf in search of an equaliser. However, the Super Eagles lacked penetration and remained largely toothless in the final third. Uzondu’s booking for dissent summed up Nigeria’s frustrations as Senegal expertly managed the closing minutes to protect their slim lead.
The win sends the Lions of Teranga to the summit of Group D, two points ahead of Guinea and Sudan who had earlier played out a 1-1 draw. Senegal next face Congo, while Nigeria will be desperate to bounce back when they take on Sudan ; both fixtures set for August 12 at the Amman Stadium.
