Sudan have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating Algeria 4-2 on penalties in Zanzibar on Saturday evening.
The Falcons of Jediane, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, held their nerve in a tense encounter that ended 1-1 after extra time before triumphing in the shoot-out.
The match, played at the Amaan Stadium, was full of grit and drama as both teams fought hard for a place in the last four.
After a goalless first half, Sudan took the lead in the 48th minute when Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala diverted the ball into his own net following pressure from Musa Hussien.
Algeria, unbeaten in their last ten CHAN matches, responded strongly and deservedly equalized in the 73rd minute through Soufiane Bayazid.
With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, penalties decided the contest.
Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks from Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui. Sudan converted four of their attempts through Walieldin Khidir, Mohamed Ahmed Saeed, Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Asad to seal a 4-2 victory.
The result means Sudan have now reached their third CHAN semi-final in history and remain unbeaten in the tournament, having already beaten Nigeria 4-0 and drawn with holders Senegal.
They will face Madagascar on Tuesday, August 26, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Algeria, who were finalists in 2022, exit the competition earlier than expected, leaving their quest for a maiden CHAN title still unfulfilled.