How Sudan out-fought Algeria in a tactical battle of grit and belief

Sudan’s remarkable run at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 continued with a dramatic quarter-final triumph over Algeria in Zanzibar, a result that left many stunned but, according to the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), was rooted in discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unshakable belief.

Michael Amenga Okoth, a member of CAF’s TSG present at the Amaan Stadium, explained that Sudan’s 1-1 draw followed by a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory was no accident.

“Algeria came in as finalists from the last edition and heavy favourites, but Sudan thrived on discipline and belief,” he told Cafonline.com.

"They pressed selectively, stayed compact, and forced errors. Even the own goal they scored came from putting the ball into dangerous areas and creating pressure situations.

Pragmatic strategy pays off

Sudan’s opener early in the second half came in chaotic fashion — an Algerian own goal after Musa Hussien’s strike had been parried.

Yet Amenga insists this was not mere luck but evidence of a clear tactical plan deployed by coach Kwesi Appiah.

“Scoring through an own goal might appear fortunate, but Sudan’s persistence highlights their pragmatic strategy,” he said.

“They set up in a compact block, denied Algeria central access, and relied on quick counters. Psychologically, they were ready to stay in the game regardless of setbacks. Their belief after taking the lead showed they were prepared for every scenario.”

This approach meant Sudan never sought to dominate possession. Instead, they focused on resilience and adaptability, hallmarks of knockout football.

Resilient under pressure

Algeria hit back in the 73rd minute through Soufiane Bayazid, and from there the Desert Foxes poured forward in waves. Yet Sudan’s defensive line refused to buckle.

“Sudan’s back line stood firm,” noted Amenga.

“They marked tightly in the box, screened midfield spaces to block Algerian rotations, and showed patience under pressure.

"They didn’t panic or rush clearances, which is often where underdogs lose matches. Instead, they trusted their structure.”

That composure proved vital as Algeria threw everything forward, creating chances but failing to break through in extra time.

Abooja’s decisive shoot-out

When the match went to penalties, goalkeeper Mohamed 'Abooja' Alnour Adam Saeed emerged as the decisive figure.

Saving two Algerian spot-kicks, he carried Sudan into the semi-finals.

“From a technical standpoint, Abooja was excellent,” Amenga explained.

“He read body shapes early, moved with short, controlled steps, and positioned his hands perfectly to parry shots wide.

"His composure spread to his teammates — in penalty shootouts, confidence is contagious, and Sudan had it.”

Conditioning and mentality

For a side playing under the strain of national instability and without domestic league continuity, Sudan’s physical conditioning surprised many.

They lasted 120 minutes against one of the tournament’s most intense sides.

“They sustained pressing phases and recovery runs even deep into extra time,” Amenga observed.

“Mentally, they never switched off, especially in transitions. Algeria probably expected Sudan to fade, but Sudan were still alert and strong.”

Midfield battles and emotional edge

Much of the match was decided in midfield. Algeria sought overloads with rotations and wide play, but Sudan’s deep-lying pivots were disciplined.

“Sudan’s midfielders blocked central channels and forced Algeria wide,” Amenga explained.

“From there, Sudan were comfortable defending crosses. That balance in midfield was crucial.”

Beyond tactics, Sudan’s wider national context added intangible motivation. “The players are competing under very difficult circumstances back home,” said Amenga.

“That has created a ‘play for pride’ mentality. Their emotional motivation was higher, and you could see it in their intensity and discipline.”

What it means

Sudan’s victory puts them into a semi-final clash with Madagascar in Dar es Salaam, while Morocco meet defending champions Senegal in Kampala in the other last-four tie.

For Algeria, their unbeaten run of ten CHAN matches ended in painful fashion, while Sudan’s unlikely march into the semi-finals continues as one of the tournament’s most captivating stories.

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