CHAN 2024: Former Ghana Coach Kwesi Appiah Leads Sudan to Semifinals, Defeats Algeria
- Kwesi Appiah stands on the brink of a historic achievement with Sudan at the 2024 CHAN
- The soft-spoken coach guided his team past Nigeria, held Senegal to a draw, and overcame Algeria to book a semifinal spot
- Next up, they clash with Madagascar at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, August 26, with a place in the final at stake
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Former Ghana head coach James Kwesi Appiah has written another memorable chapter in his coaching career.
His Sudan side booked a place in the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout win over Algeria in Zanzibar on Saturday night.
Source: Twitter
How Kwesi Appiah inspired Sudan to famous CHAN victory
The quarter-final opened cautiously, with both teams trading half-chances but struggling to find rhythm.
The first 45 minutes were cagey, full of tackles and misplaced passes, leaving the game finely balanced at the break.
The stalemate was broken just three minutes into the second half.
Source: Twitter
According to CAF Online, Musa Hussien’s effort was parried, but in the scramble that followed, Algerian defender Ayoub Ghezala mistakenly bundled the ball into his own net.
It was a cruel way to concede, yet it handed Sudan a priceless advantage in the 48th minute.
Algeria, who came into the contest unbeaten in their last ten CHAN outings, refused to roll over.
They launched wave after wave of attacks, pushing Sudan deeper into their own half.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 73rd minute when forward Soufiane Bayazid poked the ball home after a spell of relentless pressure, bringing the North Africans level.
With the scoreline tied, both teams went for the winner.
Mohamed Tia Asad almost restored Sudan’s lead with a powerful header, while Aimen Mahious forced two brilliant saves from Al-Zamala SC goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja during extra time.
The intensity never dropped, and the tension grew as penalties became inevitable.
As the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, all eyes turned to the penalty spot.
Walieldin Khidir and Mohamed Ahmed Saeed coolly slotted theirs for Sudan, matched by Bayazid and Mahious for Algeria.
But then came the turning point. Mehdi Merghem and Zakaria Draoui both saw their kicks denied by the inspired Abooja.
Sudan took full advantage, with Ahmed Tabanja and Mohamed Tia Asad striking decisively to seal a 4-2 victory.
The Falcons of Jediane erupted in joy as the final whistle confirmed their passage into the last four.
For Appiah, who equalled coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio’s feat by guiding Sudan to the 2025 AFCON at the expense of Ghana, this feat only cements his reputation as one of Africa’s sharpest tactical minds.
Sudan, unbeaten so far after topping Group D, now carry their momentum into a semifinal showdown with Madagascar on Tuesday, August 26, in Dar es Salaam, per beIN Sports.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal promises fireworks as Morocco battle reigning champions Senegal in what many are already calling a clash of giants.
Kwesi Appiah aims a subtle swipe at GFA boss, Otto Addo
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Kwesi Appiah appeared to take a subtle swipe at GFA president Kurt Okraku and Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
The 65-year-old, however, has brushed off suggestions of an immediate return to the Black Stars role after steering Sudan to AFCON 2025.
Source: YEN.com.gh
