Senegal has officially clinched the African Nations Championship bronze medal after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Sudan in Kampala. The 2022 champions successfully fought back from a goal down to force a 1-1 draw in regular time at the Mandela Stadium.
The Lions of Teranga looked sharp but conceded after just six minutes when Mohamed Tia Asad put Sudan ahead from a corner. Senegal pushed hard against a very tight Sudanese defense and were rewarded just before the hour mark with the equalizer.
Seyni Mbaye latched onto a well-placed right cross from Ousseynou Seck for the equalizer that levelled the thrilling match. Sudan missed a golden opportunity to grab the match winner when Maaz Koko let a clear chance slip with just eight minutes to go.
In the dramatic ensuing shootout, Senegal converted their penalties through Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cisse and Libasse Gueye. The bronze medal served as a notable consolation for Senegal after losing 5-3 on penalties in their semi-final match.
They were defeated by Morocco in the semi-finals on Tuesday after the two sides drew 1-1 in regular time. Two-time champions Morocco are now set to play against Madagascar in the final match of the tournament on Saturday in Nairobi.