Defending champions Senegal began their title defence at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a slender 1-0 victory over Nigeria in a fiercely contested Group D opener at Amaan Stadium on Tuesday.

Christian Gomis’ second-half strike was enough to separate the West African giants in a match where both sides created chances but struggled with composure in the final third.

 The tournament, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, opened with all the intensity expected from two of Africa’s most storied footballing nations.

Senegal, winners of the 2022 edition in Algeria, started with composure but had to navigate Nigeria’s early aggression.

 The Super Eagles, returning to the CHAN finals for the first time since 2018, looked to press high and control midfield through Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu, both of whom picked up early bookings as tackles flew in.

Despite a tense first half filled with heavy challenges and limited goalmouth action, both sides hinted at their attacking intent.

Sikiru Alimi forced a save from Senegalese keeper Marc Diouf midway through the opening half, while Daouda Ba and Moctar Koïté tested Nigeria’s backline from range.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute following a swift Senegalese counter-attack. Substitute Moctar Koïté darted down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint pass into the box, where Gomis arrived unmarked to calmly slot home with his left foot.