Kwesi Appiah Leads Sudan To Defeat Algeria, Reach Semi-Finals

Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah has led Sudan to the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Algeria in Zanzibar on Saturday. The Falcons of Jediane held their nerve in a tense 1-1 draw before sealing a 4-2 win on penalties at the Amaan Stadium.

The encounter was filled with drama and determination as both sides battled for a place in the last four. After a goalless first half, Sudan took the lead in the 48th minute when Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala scored an own goal under pressure from Sudan’s Musa Hussien. Algeria, unbeaten in their previous ten CHAN games, fought back and equalised in the 73rd minute through Soufiane Bayazid.

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, penalties became the decider. Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja emerged as the hero, saving spot-kicks from Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui. Sudan calmly converted all four of their attempts through Walieldin Khidir, Mohamed Ahmed Saeed, Ahmed Tabanja, and Mohamed Tia Asad, booking their ticket to the semi-finals.

The win marks Sudan’s third CHAN semi-final in history and keeps them unbeaten in this year’s competition, having already defeated Nigeria 4-0 and drawn with defending champions Senegal. Their next challenge will be against Madagascar on Tuesday, August 26, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Appiah’s success has not gone unnoticed. In Ghana, reports surfaced that the Sudanese people were prepared to offer him a “blank cheque” if he delivers either the CHAN trophy or the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Speaking in an interview, Appiah downplayed the reports but acknowledged the overwhelming support, saying that victory in either tournament would bring pride and happiness to the Sudanese people.

Algeria, who were finalists in 2022, leave the tournament earlier than expected, missing out on their chance to win a maiden CHAN title. For Sudan, however, the dream continues as they push for their first final appearance since 2011.