CHAN 2024: Senegal kicks off its campaign on a high note | OneFootball

The Lions of Teranga begin their title defense with a narrow victory against the Super Eagles.

CHAN 2024: Senegal kicks off its campaign on a high note

Senegal began its title defense at the 2024 African Nations Championship with a 1-0 win over Nigeria on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Christian Gomis scored the only goal of the encounter in the second half of this Group D opener.

The Lions of Teranga quickly found their rhythm in this competition reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues. Facing a Super Eagles squad making their CHAN return for the first time since 2018, the reigning champions managed both the pressure and the tougher phases of the match.

A tournament start that reassures Senegalese fans

The first half proved to be balanced, with few clear-cut chances on either side. Both teams sized each other up in the opening minutes before increasing the tempo. Senegalese goalkeeper Marc Diouf was called into action by Sikiru Alimi, while Daouda Ba and Moctar Koïté tested the Nigerian defense from distance.

The turning point came in the 75th minute. Moctar Koïté, coming off the bench, surged down the right flank before setting up Christian Gomis in the box. The Senegalese forward rattled the Nigerian net with a brilliant left-footed strike. The scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle. This victory puts Senegal at the top of Group D, taking advantage of the 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan in the other match of the group.