Teranga Lions of Senegal began their title defense with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Group D match held at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday, August 5.

Christian Gomis scored the all-important goal for the defending champions after beating goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal from close range in the 75th minute.

The victory put the defending champions at the top of Group D with three points. The duel was the second fixture of the double header at the refurbished Amaan stadium right after Congo and Sudan played out a 1-all draw in an earlier match.

Musa Hussien gave Sudan the lead in the 29th minute before Carly Ekongo equalized in the 86th minute as the pair settled for a point in their pursuit of knockout stage qualification.

Ekongo’s strike ensured Congo began their fifth CHAN campaign without defeat.