The Congo national team managed to snatch a valuable 1-1 draw against Sudan in the opening match of Group D at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, played on Tuesday night at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. A late goal by Carly Ekongo avoided defeat and kept both teams' hopes alive in the race for the knockout stage.

Congo ends goal drought thanks to Ekongo

The tournament, exclusively for players competing in domestic African leagues, featured the first-ever clash between the two nations at CHAN, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was electric, with a passionate crowd witnessing a match full of intensity and drama.

Sudan struck first. After multiple chances, Musa Hussien capitalized on a rebound from his own shot in the 29th minute to beat goalkeeper Ulrich Samba, who had already made a few important saves earlier. Sudan controlled much of the first half, while Congo struggled to find rhythm, creating only a few threats through Chadrac Osseby and Charles Atipo.

In the second half, coach Barthélemy Ngatsono made a triple substitution that turned the game around: Carly Ekongo, Grace Mavoungou, and Grace Nsemi came on to energize the Congolese side.

Sudan nearly sealed the win in stoppage time when Mazin Simbo’s header was brilliantly saved by Samba, keeping Congo alive. That save proved crucial. Just four minutes later, Ekongo pounced on a loose ball in the Sudanese box and slotted home the equalizer in the 86th minute, sending the Congolese bench into celebration.

The final minutes were filled with tension and physical challenges, with over ten minutes of stoppage time and both teams pushing for a winner—though neither could find the breakthrough. With this result, Congo ended a streak of three CHAN matches without scoring from open play, while Sudan extended their winless run in the competition to five matches.

Up next, Congo will face defending champions Senegal, while Sudan prepares for a crucial match against Nigeria, with qualification still up for grabs in this tightly contested group.