Sudan advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging past Algeria in a dramatic quarter-final clash on Saturday, 23 August 2025.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Nour played a decisive role in the victory, earning the Man of the Match award for his outstanding display.
The encounter was fiercely contested, with both teams battling for dominance in a tightly balanced game that ended 1-1 after full time. Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in extra time, forcing the match to be decided by a tense penalty shootout.
El Nour emerged as Sudan’s hero, producing two crucial saves during the shootout that secured his side’s place in the final four of the competition.
His ability to read Algeria’s penalty takers proved pivotal, as Sudan capitalised on his interventions to claim victory and continue their impressive CHAN campaign.
The goalkeeper’s heroics were not limited to the penalty shootout. Throughout the match, El Nour demonstrated composure and authority in goal, making key stops to deny Algeria clear opportunities to take the lead.
His leadership and confidence provided a calming presence for Sudan’s defence during a high-pressure contest.
By the end of the evening, El Nour’s performance left little doubt about his impact. His Man of the Match award was a fitting recognition of his decisive contributions and ability to perform under intense scrutiny.
Sudan’s supporters celebrated their side’s progression, crediting the shot-stopper’s resilience and composure as crucial factors in overcoming their North African rivals.
The victory marks a significant step forward for Sudan, who continue their bid for CHAN glory. Their semi-final appearance highlights both their defensive organisation and the individual brilliance of players like El Nour, whose performance has set a high standard heading into the next stage of the tournament.
With momentum on their side, Sudan will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where El Nour’s influence and leadership will once again be vital. For Algeria, the defeat ends their hopes of advancing further, despite a spirited showing.
El Nour’s display underlined the crucial role of goalkeepers in knockout football, with his saves proving the difference in a tightly contested match.
His heroics have not only secured Sudan’s progression but also reinforced his reputation as one of the standout performers of this year’s CHAN.
