CHAN: Kwesi Appiah declares Sudan sights firmly on winning title

Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah is not losing hope on his team’s chances to lift the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties in Zanzibar, to set up a semifinals clash with Madagascar.

The Falcons of Jediane held their nerve in a dramatic shoot-out at the Amaan Stadium after a 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja the hero after saving twice. Appiah’s side, who topped Group D, remain unbeaten in the tournament and continue to build on their remarkable resurgence.

“Our goal is beyond just participation. We aspire to achieve the African title,” Appiah said after the victory against Algeria as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “Millions of Sudanese people follow us, and they also support us, so I say it frankly: we aspire to achieve the African title.”

On the penalty scenario, the Ghanaian coach said: “We were ready to take penalties. What I told our players from the beginning is that we are not looking for an honorable performance, but rather we are looking forward to achieving the continental title.”

Sudan’s victory secured their third-ever CHAN semi-final appearance, continuing a tournament where they have already beaten Nigeria 4-0 and held champions Senegal.

They will now face Madagascar, who eliminated hosts Kenya 4-3 on penalties, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. The other semifinal clash will involve Morocco against defending champions Senegal in Kampala later the same day.

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