The Sudanese and Moroccan national teams aim to qualify for the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship for local players as they face Madagascar and Senegal respectively in the semifinals on Tuesday. The tournament continues across three African countries until August 30. Four Arab teams—Algeria, Mauritania, Sudan, and Morocco—participate in this edition, with Sudan and Morocco hoping for the first-ever all-Arab final in the competition’s history since its inception in Ivory Coast in 2009.

Sudan, after a slow start, impressed by topping Group D following a draw with Congo (1-1), a 4-0 win over Nigeria, and a goalless draw with Senegal. They then eliminated Algeria in the quarterfinals on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw, reaching the semifinals for the third time in four participations. Sudan chases a continental milestone by reaching the final for the first time since 1970 when they won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Coach Kwasi Appiah sees the match against Madagascar as a great opportunity for Sudan to reassert itself in African football. Since taking charge, Appiah has led Sudan in 30 matches with 14 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses.

Madagascar qualified for the semifinals after finishing second in Group B behind Tanzania and defeating host Kenya 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

The other semifinal between Morocco and Senegal is described as a “final before its time,” with both teams excelling at senior and local levels. Senegal won the last CHAN edition in Algeria in 2023, while Morocco claimed the title twice consecutively in 2018 and 2020.

Reaching the semifinals is positive for Morocco, but former coach Mohamed Fakher believes they can reach the final and win their third title. Fakher highlights the tactical plan of current coach Tarik Sektioui, who balanced players from different clubs effectively.

Moroccan journalist Hassan Al-Jabri notes that Morocco faces a strong Senegalese team with a nearly perfect defense and stresses the importance of Morocco imposing its attacking rhythm and avoiding defensive mistakes.

Morocco’s best CHAN achievements are their 2018 and 2022 titles, making them the third Arab team to win after Tunisia (2011) and Libya (2014).