Greg . 17 hours ago

Nigeria eliminated from CHAN 2024 following heavy defeat to Sudan

Nigeria crashed out of the 2024 African Nations Championship after a 4-0 loss to Sudan in their second Group D match.

Following a 1-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal in their opener, the Super Eagles aimed to bounce back against the Falcons of Jediane but were instead overwhelmed by four goals from James Kwesi Appiah’s side.

Abdel Raouf was the hero, scoring a second-half brace to secure all three points for the East and Central African nation at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City.

Nigeria started with urgency, applying heavy set-piece pressure, but couldn’t seriously trouble goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, who produced an outstanding performance.

Anthony Ijoma seemed to give the West Africans the lead in the 22nd minute after breaking past the defence, but VAR ruled the goal offside.

Just three minutes later, Appiah’s side took a deserved lead when Yagoub’s shot hit the post and deflected off Leonard Ngenge into the net.

Ngenge was at fault again in the 43rd minute, handling the ball in the box.

Referee Lotfi Bekouassa awarded a penalty, which captain Walieldin Khdir expertly converted, giving his team a two-goal lead at half-time.

At half-time, coach Eric Chelle made a bold transfer with a triple substitution, bringing on Steven Manyo, Jabbar Malik, and Vincent Temitope to spark a response.

 However, Sudan only strengthened their hold, extending their lead in the 55th minute through Raouf, whose left-footed strike was unstoppable for the Nigerian goalkeeper.

Seven minutes later, he finalised his brace, punishing the Super Eagles for their lacklustre display.

Sudan now face Senegal in a top-of-the-table clash where a draw might be enough, depending on Congo’s result; a win would seal qualification to the next round.

Nigeria meet Congo with only pride to play for, while facing tough questions over their structure, selection, and execution at tournament level.

AuthorBetopick