CHAN: Sudan defeat worst game I’ve overseen from dugout as coach – Chelle

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle confessed that the humiliating 4-0 defeat against Sudan in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) was the worst game he has overseen since he started his role as a coach.

Sudan produced the shock of CHAN so far, dismantling higher-ranked Nigeria in Zanzibar to go top of Group D and, in the process, knock the Super Eagles out of the tournament with a game to spare. Abdel Raouf Yagoub struck twice after the break to add to an early Leonard Ngenge own goal and Walieldin Khdir’s penalty, capping a ruthless, disciplined display that left Nigeria bottom with zero points from two matches.

Speaking after the game, a disappointed Chelle said as quoted by CAFOnline.com: “We have lost all ambition. The CHAN is over for us. We have a third match to play for our honour and respect. But I am disappointed by this match. It is the worst game I’ve overseen from the dugout as coach.”

On their next and final game against Congo, the Malian coach said: “If we play this way against Congo, it wouldn’t be just four. We have to clear our minds and mentally get ready for Congo.”

He added: “Though some important players left our preparations camp, these were the best players in our league. We can’t play a game like that and lose in the manner we did. We need to be more focused.

“The players focused in the first 20 minutes. Our goal was ruled out, and afterwards, we made a lot of mistakes… four mistakes, four goals. Our training session before the game went well. We analysed Sudan’s team. We prepared well, but were not ready for as many mistakes.”

With Senegal drawing earlier, Sudan’s emphatic win lifts them to first on goal difference. Senegal are second on four points, Congo third on two, and Nigeria fourth on zero — and mathematically eliminated.