The 2024 African Nations Championship has reached its last four, with holders Senegal set to face two-time winners Morocco, while outsiders Sudan and Madagascar battle for a place in their first-ever final.
Senegal booked their spot with a 1-0 win over Uganda in Kampala, Oumar Ba striking just past the hour in front of 35,000 home fans.
Despite Uganda’s dominance in possession, the champions held firm under the guidance of Seyni Ndiaye and goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
They now face Morocco, who edged past Tanzania 1-0 in Dar es Salaam thanks to Oussama Lamlaoui’s fourth goal of the tournament.
Despite injuries in defence and relentless pressure from the hosts, the Atlas Lions extended their flawless knockout record to seven wins since 2014.
The other semi-final offers a fairytale clash. Sudan stunned Algeria in Zanzibar, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja the hero in the shootout.
Kwesi Appiah’s side had already beaten Nigeria earlier in the tournament and now stand on the brink of history.
Their opponents Madagascar also triumphed on penalties, defeating Kenya 4-3 in Nairobi. Veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, 39, made two crucial saves before Toky Rakotondraibe slotted the winning kick.
The stage is now set for two contrasting showdowns on Tuesday: a heavyweight contest between Senegal and Morocco in Kampala, and an underdog duel between Sudan and Madagascar in Dar es Salaam.
The winners will contest the final on Saturday, 30 August, in what is shaping up to be one of CHAN’s most memorable editions.
