Nigeria secures crucial victory against Congo Republic in CHAN
Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, ended their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Congo Republic in Dar es Salaam. While the win restored some pride, it wasn’t enough to save their tournament, as Sudan and Senegal advanced from Group D.
Goals from Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi gave Nigeria the win, a welcome relief after back-to-back defeats had already eliminated them from the competition. For Congo, who needed a victory to stay in the running, the loss was devastating, leaving them at the bottom of the group.
In the other Group D match, Sudan and Senegal played to a 0-0 draw, a result that sent both teams to the quarterfinals with five points each. Sudan topped the group due to a better goal difference. Nigeria’s win lifted them to three points, just one point shy of qualification.
A Match About Pride and Survival
The narrative leading into the match was all about redemption for Nigeria and desperation for Congo. Congo coach Barthelemy Ngatsono stated, “there is no alternative to victory,” while Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, was focused on scoring his team’s first goal of the tournament after they had conceded five goals without reply in their previous two matches.
READ ALSO: Sudan stun Nigeria 4-0, send Super Eagles packing in CHAN 2024
The first half was a tense, physical affair. Congo’s Japhet Mankou and Dechan Moussavou both missed headed opportunities, and Nigeria’s Olamilekan Adedayo was denied by Congo’s goalkeeper, Ulrich Samba. Just before halftime, a moment of confusion erupted when a yellow card for Nigerian defender Steven Manyo was upgraded to a red card by VAR, only to be reversed after a second review. The match remained goalless at halftime.
Yusuf’s Goal Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute. A swift Nigerian attack saw Alimi head the ball down to Anas Yusuf, who finished cleanly from close range. The goal, Nigeria’s first of the tournament, brought a palpable sense of relief to Coach Chelle and his players, who had faced heavy criticism for their lack of attacking power.
Congo appeared shaken, and despite a few substitutions, their offense was stifled by poor decisions and strong Nigerian defense. Shots from Wilfrid Nkaya and Carly Ekongo failed to challenge Nigeria’s keeper, Victor Sochima.
Late Drama Seals the Win
In stoppage time, the game came alive again. After a VAR review, Congo’s Charles Atipo received a red card for a foul, reducing his team to 10 men. From the resulting free kick, substitute Sodiq Ismail delivered a perfect cross that Alimi headed into the net, doubling Nigeria’s lead in the 93rd minute and securing the win.
READ ALSO: Super Eagles fall to Senegal in CHAN opener
Sudan and Senegal Advance
Even as Nigeria celebrated their win, their fate rested on the outcome of the other group match. The 0-0 draw between Sudan and Senegal meant both teams ended with five points. Sudan took the top spot with a superior goal difference (+4 compared to Senegal’s +1). Nigeria finished in third place with three points, while Congo finished last with two points.
Pride Salvaged, Lessons Learned
Coach Chelle had acknowledged before the match that “mistakes have haunted us.” The victory provided a sense of relief but also highlighted what could have been. The team, which was missing eight key players who had transferred overseas, was under immense pressure to perform.
Congo will reflect on their missed opportunities, having scored only two goals in three matches. Meanwhile, Sudan and Senegal now head to the quarterfinals. Nigeria returns home with some pride restored, but with urgent questions about their team’s depth and preparation.
Final Group D Standings:
Sudan – 5 pts (+4 GD)
Senegal – 5 pts (+1 GD)
Nigeria – 3 pts (–3 GD)
Congo – 2 pts (–2 GD)
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