The defending champions, who missed out on a place in the final following a semi-final penalty loss to Morocco, demonstrated resilience in a tense bronze medal clash.
The win ensures the Lion of Teranga claims a podium finish in consecutive tournaments, while the quest of Kwesi Appiah’s Falcons of Jediane for a third CHAN medal continues, despite a determined and spirited performance.
Sudan started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the early stages. Their pressure paid off in the sixth minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to head Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner into the net.
The East and Central African held their lead until halftime, showing strong defensive discipline, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja making crucial saves to frustrate the holders.
However, Senegal emerged more assertive after the break, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing mistakes.
Their equaliser came in the 58th minute, as Seyni Ndiaye’s precise header found the net following excellent work down the flank by Ousseynou Seck.
From that point, the West Africans dominated possession, though Sudan remained dangerous on the counter, with Abooja again keeping his team in the game.
Neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time, and with no extra time in the third-place play-off, the match went straight to penalties.
Sudan faltered first as Walieldin Khdir’s opening attempt went wide. Despite successful penalties from Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja, Musab Makeen saw his effort saved by Marc Diouf, giving Senegal the upper hand.
The Lions of Teranga were then flawless from the spot, with Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cisse, and Libasse Gueye all converting to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.
The outcome was bittersweet for Souleymane Diallo’s young squad, who had aimed to defend their title but had to be content with a bronze medal.
“This was about character,” he said. “The players showed maturity after the disappointment of the semi-final. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”
