Sudan delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Nigeria in Zanzibar, eliminating the Super Eagles from CHAN PAMOJA 2025 with one group match remaining.
The Falcons of Jediane climbed to the summit of Group D following their dominant display at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Nigeria’s elimination was confirmed after managing zero points from their opening two fixtures, leaving them unable to reach the knockout stages regardless of their final group result.
The opening period saw Nigeria create several opportunities through set pieces before Sudan capitalised on defensive errors to take control.
Leonard Ngenge’s unfortunate own goal in the 25th minute gave Sudan the breakthrough after Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s effort rebounded off the woodwork.
Captain Walieldin Khdir doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 44th minute following Ngenge’s handball inside the area.
Nigeria had a goal disallowed for offside through Anthony Ijoma in the 22nd minute, while Sikiru Alimi missed two clear chances before the interval.
Yagoub emerged from the dressing rooms to dominate the second half with a clinical double that sealed Nigeria’s fate.
The midfielder found the bottom corner with a precise left-footed finish in the 55th minute after excellent build-up play from Musa Hussien.
Seven minutes later, Yagoub completed his brace by sweeping home Sudan’s fourth goal from central position after his team won possession and launched a swift counter-attack. Nigeria’s Raymond Tochukwu struck the post late in the match, summarising their frustrating evening in front of goal.
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah’s tactical approach proved effective throughout the contest, with Sudan maintaining their defensive shape while exploiting space on the flanks during transitions.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja produced several crucial saves, including a late header from substitute Steven Manyo in the 84th minute. Full-backs Ahmed Tabanja and Mazin Simbo provided width when required but prioritised defensive stability, while midfielders Yaser Awad, Ali Abdalla and Hussien disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm consistently.
Late substitutions Mohamed Tia Asad, Al-Misbah Faisal, and Awad Zayed helped maintain Sudan’s intensity during the closing stages.
The result leaves Sudan level on four points with defending champions Senegal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo earlier in the day. Sudan currently lead Group D on goal difference with five goals scored and one conceded across two matches.
Nigeria’s campaign has produced zero goals while conceding five, highlighting their struggles in both attacking and defensive phases. The Super Eagles will face Congo in their final group fixture with only pride at stake, while Sudan meet Senegal in a decisive encounter that could determine the group winner.
