The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage wrapped up with a dramatic conclusion in Group D, where two matches played simultaneously in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar determined the final standings. Sudan and Senegal faced off in a tense, tactical draw in Amaan Stadium, while Nigeria restored some pride with a fiery 2-0 victory over Congo at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The results confirmed Sudan as group winners, completing a remarkable CECAFA clean sweep, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda also topping their respective groups.

Sudan Hold Senegal in Zanzibar to Finish Top of Group

Heading into the final round, both Sudan and the defending champions Senegal were tied on four points, with Sudan holding a slender edge on goal difference. The winner would top the group, but as it turned out, the match unfolded more like a stalemate of strategy than a shootout.

The early minutes at Amaan Stadium were evenly contested, with neither team willing to take risks. Senegal, needing a win to leapfrog Sudan, controlled possession,dominating with over 67% of the ball, but struggled to find the killer instinct. Libasse Guéye had the first real chance in the 21st minute with a low shot inside the box, but the Sudanese keeper handled it comfortably.

The game’s most dramatic moment came in the 43rd minute when Sudan thought they had won a penalty. Oumar Ba pushed Walieldin Khdir inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. But after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, and the sides went into halftime goalless.

The second half saw Senegal continue their attacking efforts, introducing fresh legs : Seck, Vieux Cisse, Ababacar Sarr, Ameth Niang, and Bonaventura Fonseca, but the final product was consistently lacking. Sudan remained compact, rarely venturing forward, but always alert on the counter.

A tense closing period saw emotions flare. In stoppage time, Senegal’s Mbaye Yaya Ly, already booked in the first half was sent off after a reckless challenge on Mohamed El Rashed, reducing the Teranga Lions to 10 men in the 94th minute. That proved the last major act of the match.

Despite not registering a single shot on target, Sudan held on to the vital draw that saw them finish top of the group with five points, edging the defending champions Senegal on goal difference. Both sides advanced, but only one with bragging rights.

Super Eagles Soar Late as Congo Collapse in Dar es Salaam

At Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Nigeria faced Congo in a dead rubber, at least in terms of progression. Nigeria had lost their first two matches and were already eliminated, while Congo had two points and still held a faint hope of sneaking through if other results went their way.

The match began with Congo applying early pressure. In the 25th minute, Nigeria’s defense nearly gifted Mankou a goal with a botched clearance, but the chance went begging. For long spells, the first half offered little in terms of chances,both sides struggled for rhythm, and the game drifted into a physical, scrappy battle.

The second half, however, exploded into life. In the 55th minute, Sikiru Alimi rose highest to meet a cross from the left and intelligently headed it down to Anas Yusuf, who coolly finished from close range to put Nigeria ahead.

From there, Congo’s urgency increased but not their quality. Substitutions by coach Ngatsono brought in Grace Nsemi and Carly Ekongo, but Nigeria remained composed. In fact, the Super Eagles pushed harder, with the game growing more physical.

The cards began flying. Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo was booked twice; once in the 75th minute for delaying a corner, and again two minutes later for a heavy foul on Japhet Mankou. Congo’s frustrations boiled over too: Ekongo and Atipo both went into the referee’s book for dangerous tackles.

Then came the turning point: in the 88th minute, Charles Atipo clattered into Alimi near the edge of the area and was shown a yellow. But VAR stepped in. After a review, it was upgraded to red in the 90+2′ minute. Congo were down to 10.

Just a minute later, Nigeria delivered the final blow. Off the resulting free kick, Alimi ; who had won the foul, imed his run perfectly to head home Sodiq Ismail’s curling delivery. Nigeria 2, Congo 0.

There was still time for some late substitutions; Obaje and Hadi Haruna coming on but the damage was done. Nigeria finished third with three points; Congo bottom with two and out of the competition.

Final Group D Standings:

CECAFA’s Commanding Rise: A Continental Power Shift?

With Sudan topping Group D, the 2024 CHAN tournament witnessed a historic moment: all four group winners hail from CECAFA region . Kenya (Group A), Tanzania (Group B), Uganda (Group C), and Sudan (Group D) sent a clear message to the continent; the CECAFA region is no longer just here to participate. They’re here to dominate.

From once being outsiders to now leading the way, CECAFA’s rise in CHAN 2024 marks a significant shift in African football’s traditional balance of power. Organized tactics, youthful squads, and growing local leagues have given East African teams a new edge.

As the knockout stage looms, all eyes turn to whether this regional dominance can be sustained on the biggest stage. One thing is certain; East Africa’s time has come.