Carly Ekongo got here off the bench to rescue an important level for Congo as they drew 1-1 with Sudan in a tense Group D opener on the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, held on the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday night time.
Of their first-ever CHAN assembly, it was Sudan who struck first. After a spell of dominance, Musa Hussien opened the scoring within the twenty ninth minute, pouncing on a rebound after his preliminary shot was blocked by Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba.
The Sudanese maintained early management, with Salah Adil heading vast and midfielder Abdel Raouf Yagoub dictating the tempo. Congo provided little within the first half however almost equalised by Chadrac Osseby and Charles Atipo earlier than the break.
Within the second half, Congo coach Barthélemy Ngatsono made a daring triple substitution—introducing Ekongo, Grace Mavoungou, and Grace Nsemi on the hour mark—which breathed new life into the Pink Devils.
Sudan, nevertheless, almost sealed victory in stoppage time when Mazin Simbo’s header was brilliantly stored out by Samba.
Moments later, Congo made their strain depend. Within the 90+6 minute, Ekongo reacted first to a unfastened ball within the field and drilled residence a low end, sparking wild celebrations from the Congolese bench.
The outcome ended Congo’s three-match CHAN purpose drought stretching again to 2020 and earned them a helpful level to kickstart their fifth match look. Sudan, in the meantime, prolonged their winless run in open play at CHAN to 5 matches however confirmed indicators of enchancment after a poor 2022 outing.
Congo will subsequent face reigning champions Senegal, whereas Sudan put together for a vital conflict with Nigeria in what’s shaping as much as be a fiercely aggressive Group D.
