Congo Brazaville, Sudan share spoils

ZANZIBAR: CONGO Brazzaville and Sudan battled to a 1-1 draw in a 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group D match at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar today.

In what was a tightly contested affair, it was Sudan who struck first, taking the lead in the 29th minute after a well-executed press forced a turnover.

A swift counter-attack found Ali Abdalla racing into the final third, his initial strike parried brilliantly by Congo’s goalkeeper Simon Samba.

However, the danger wasn’t cleared, and it was Musa Ali who reacted quickest, firing home as Congo’s defence scrambled to regroup.

The goal injected energy into the Sudanese camp, who looked physically commanding throughout, relying on long balls, diagonal switches and aerial prowess to unsettle their opponents.

But the story was far from over.

Congo Brazzaville emerged from the break with renewed purpose and tactical tweaks that began to shift the momentum.

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The introduction of Carly Ekongo in the second half proved decisive. The dynamic substitute brought fresh legs and sharp instincts and in the 86th minute, he rewarded his manager’s faith by finding the equaliser. Ekongo pounced on a defensive lapse, slotting home unmarked after Sudan failed to clear under pressure.

The late equaliser sparked a flurry of drama in added time. Congo thought they had snatched all three points when Japhet Mankou found the net, but celebrations were cut short.

A swift VAR review confirmed that Grace Mavoungou, who provided the assist, had committed a handball in the build-up. The goal was rightly ruled out, to the frustration of the Congolese bench.

Earlier in the match, Congo Brazzaville nearly scored with Ekongo threatening after making his entrance charging down a long ball in the 74th minute only to be denied by a brave intervention from Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Saeed. Sudan, too, had chances earlier, notably a glancing header from Mazin Simbo that was expertly saved by Simon Samba.

The match was a showcase of contrasting styles: Sudan leaned into their physicality and direct play, while Congo Brazzaville preferred to sit deep, absorb pressure, and spring into rapid counters especially dangerous in the second half.

With the spoils shared, both teams temporarily rose to the top of Group D, pending the outcome of the group’s later tie between Nigeria and reigning champions Senegal.