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 Ko?t? tested Nigeria?s backline from range.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute following a swift Senegalese counter-attack. Substitute Moctar Ko?t? 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.

It was a goal born of precision and timing, and it sent the defending champions into raptures.

Nigeria responded with urgency, introducing Vincent Temitope and Godwin Obaje to bolster their attack. Temitope came close with a late shot that sailed just wide, while Alimi and Jabbar Malik threatened from set pieces.

But Senegal?s backline, led by Seyni Ndiaye and Joseph Layousse, held firm under growing pressure.

The match saw seven substitutions and multiple injury stoppages in the second half, adding to the tension as the clock ticked down.

Senegal's tactical changes, including the introduction of Bonaventure Fonseca and Pape Badji, helped slow Nigeria?s momentum and see out the result.

Nigeria's frustrations boiled over in stoppage time, with Shola Adelani penalised for handball and the team unable to find a late equaliser.

Despite their defeat, coach ?ric Chelle remained hopeful, stressing the need to ?take each game as it comes? with clashes against Congo and Sudan still to follow.

For Senegal, the win extends their unbeaten run against West African sides at CHAN and marks their sixth 1-0 win in the competition?s history?highlighting their defensive resilience.

Coach Souleymane Diallo had insisted before the match that his team felt no pressure defending the title. After this gritty display, his players have backed up those words with action.

Senegal now lead Group D, while Nigeria will aim to bounce back in their next fixture.

But if this opening clash is any indication, the path to the quarter-finals will be anything but straightforward. (Cafonline)

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