![\"\"](\"https:\/\/newsnest.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStalemate with High Stakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It was billed as the decisive match of Group D, and it lived up to the occasion, even without goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sudan, rejuvenated under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, came into the fixture brimming with belief after their 4-0 dismantling of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Senegal, the reigning champions, knew only defeat could eliminate them but were equally determined to secure top spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both sides traded chances in a cagey first half. Senegal\u2019s Pape Badji twice came close \u2014 first dragging a shot wide from the edge of the six-yard box before seeing another effort fly off target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the other end, Sudan tested goalkeeper Marc Diouf through Abdel Raouf Yagoub, whose strike from distance was well gathered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The drama reached boiling point in stoppage time of the first half when Sudan appealed for a penalty, only for VAR to rule no infringement, to the relief of Souleymane Diallo\u2019s Senegalese side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second half mirrored the first \u2014 fast, physical, and fiercely contested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sudan\u2019s Musa Hussien had the best opening for the Cranes, shooting over from close range, while Mohamed Tia Asad also missed narrowly after coming off the bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Senegal, meanwhile, looked to Libasse Gu\u00e8ye for inspiration, but Sudan\u2019s disciplined backline repelled the danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The champions\u2019 frustrations boiled over when Mbaye Yaya Ly was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time, leaving Senegal to finish with ten men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their numerical advantage, Sudan had little time to capitalise, and the game ended with honours even.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stalemate meant both teams finished level on five points, but Sudan\u2019s superior goal difference (+4 compared to Senegal\u2019s +1) secured them first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Dar es Salaam, Nigeria\u2019s 2-0 victory over Congo lifted them to third with three points, while Congo bowed out bottom with two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Nigeria, the result was bittersweet. They delivered their best display of the tournament, but their earlier defeats left them short of qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kwesi Appiah\u2019s tenure has transformed Sudan into one of the competition\u2019s most disciplined and adventurous sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ghanaian coach promised his team would attack, and though they did not score, Sudan again showed the organisation and resilience that have kept them unbeaten for almost a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain Fares Abdullah and his side celebrated with their fans at full time, knowing they had made history by reaching the CHAN knockout stages in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The draw sets up a tantalising last-eight line-up. Sudan will remain in Zanzibar to face Algeria, while Senegal travel to Kampala to meet hosts Uganda, in what promises to be a fiery clash in front of a packed Mandela National Stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all three co-hosts \u2014 Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda \u2014 already through, and defending champions Senegal still in the mix, the quarter-finals are shaping up to be a festival of football with huge crowds expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/newsnest.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-3.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Fierce Midfield Battle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/newsnest.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/image-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGroup D Settled<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Appiah\u2019s Sudan Stay Unbeaten<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quarter-Final Picture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n