Sudan ambition is clear – ‘we want to win CHAN title’ – Abdelrazig

Sudan midfielder Abdelrazig Taha Yagoub has remained confident that the East African nation will achieve their target of winning the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging Algeria 4-2 on penalties in Zanzibar.

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. Sudan, who topped Group D, remain unbeaten in the tournament and continue to build on their remarkable resurgence.

Personally, my goal is to give my best in every match until the final. As a team, our ambition is clear — we want to win the CHAN title. Nothing less,” said Abdelrazig as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We’ve performed exceptionally well in the first phase of the tournament, showing consistency and high levels of performance. It’s all thanks to the work we’ve put in as a united group. Our focus now is to keep building on this momentum in the next stage to raise the name of Sudan even higher at this major continental event.”

On finishing top in a group that comprised defending champions Senegal, Nigeria and Congo, he said: “It was an incredible achievement. These are some of the strongest teams in African football, with rich traditions. But our technical staff created brilliant plans, and we players executed them with precision. I feel proud to be part of this group that has made history by topping such a difficult group.”

He added: “It was a historic match. Nigeria is a great team with a strong reputation. To beat them 4-0 was a big statement for us. Scoring twice in such a game made me very proud, but more important than my goals was the team performance.”

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.