Senegal team celebrating their victory against Nigeria
Defending champions Senegal kicked off their title defense with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria in a fiercely contested Group D match at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Zanzibar.
The game started with Senegal showing composure against Nigeria’s early aggression.
Both teams created chances but struggled with composure in the final third.
Nduka Junior and Raymond Tochukwu of Nigeria picked up early bookings as tackles flew in.
Decisive Goal
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when substitute Moctar Koïté delivered a pinpoint pass into the box, and Christian Gomis scored with a calm finish using his left foot.
“It was a goal born of precision and timing,” sending Senegal into raptures.
Nigeria’s Late Push
Nigeria pushed hard for an equalizer after Gomis’ goal, introducing Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje.
Temitope came close with a late shot that sailed just wide. Senegal’s defense held firm under pressure.
*Post-Match Reactions*
Despite the defeat, Nigeria coach Éric Chelle remained hopeful, saying they need to “take each game as it comes” with upcoming matches against Congo and Sudan.
Next Steps
Senegal leads Group D. Nigeria aims to bounce back against Sudan on Aug. 12.
The CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, features players from domestic leagues in Africa.
