Who: Senegal vs Sudan
Content: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Location: Ibn Battuta Stadium, Tangier
Date and time: Saturday, January 3rd, 5pm (16:00 GMT)
How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 13:00 GMT, ahead of the text commentary stream.
The Round of 16 of AFCON begins with a clash between the strong and the weak, with favorites Senegal taking on Sudan, the lowest-placed team remaining in the tournament.
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Boasting considerable attacking power from Nicholas Jackson and Sadio Mane, Senegal entered the knockout match and cemented their status as title contenders as the AFCON 2021 champions aim for their second title.
Meanwhile, Sudan, ranked 117th in the rankings, needs help to qualify and will be playing in the finals for the first time in 14 years. For Sudan, who have made progress in their soccer despite the ongoing turmoil in the country, advancing to the Round of 16 was a major achievement.
Here’s what you need to know about Senegal vs. Sudan.
What is happening in Sudan?
Sudan has been ravaged by war since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced more than 12 million people and triggered famine in multiple parts of Sudan, with the United Nations describing the situation as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Abuja had to deal with the pain of having his brother taken prisoner by the RSF. “Of course the team has been affected. Everyone has been trying to get through this period, but it has been difficult with tensions spreading throughout Sudan,” Abuja told AFP news agency.
“Ultimately, the results on the pitch make people happy and boost morale.”
How did Sudan reach the 2025 AFCON Round of 16?
The Sudanese team advanced to the last 16 as one of the top four teams in third place, securing three points in Group E with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. This result was their second victory in this competition, having lifted the trophy in 1970.
This historic victory was helped by a moment of good fortune, with Equatorial Guinea’s Saul Coco scoring the decisive own goal.
How did Senegal advance to the last 16?
Senegal, ranked 19th in the world and second highest in Africa, took the lead in Group D with seven points from two wins and one draw, surpassing the Democratic Republic of the Congo on goal difference.
They finished the group stage with the second-highest number of goals (seven), tied with Algeria, just one goal behind Nigeria.
Who will the winner face in the next round?
The winner of the match between Senegal and Sudan will remain in Tangier and face the winner of the match between Mali and Tunisia in the quarter-finals on January 9th.
Who is Senegal’s best player?
Striker Nicholas Jackson made an impressive start with two goals in the opening game against Botswana, while Sherif Ndiaye also had two goals, both coming after coming on as a substitute.
Experienced winger Sadio Mane is also a star player for Senegal, along with midfielders Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gouye.
Mane has contributed to 17 AFCON goals (10 goals, 7 assists), the most by a player since 2010.
Who is Sudan’s best player?
Midfielders Walierdin Khidir and Ammar Toaifo were outstanding for Sudan in the tournament, along with defender Shedi Bargulan.
Senegal and Sudan form guide
All matches, latest results last:
Senegal: WDWWL
Sudan: LWLLL
Senegal remain unbeaten in 14 games in AFCON (W9 D5). Senegal have kept 17 clean sheets in AFCON since 2017, more than any other team. Sudan have conceded six goals, the most of any team that has reached the Round of 16. Sudan have won just one of their last seven AFCON matches (D1 L5).
direct confrontation
Senegal and Sudan have faced each other seven times in the past in both official matches and friendlies.
Senegal boasts an unbeaten record with four wins and three draws.
When was the last time Senegal and Sudan met?
The two teams most recently met in September in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, with Senegal winning 2-0.
Senegal vs Sudan – Statistical Attack
Saturday’s game will be the first AFCON meeting between the two sides, and the fifth time in total in the past year.
Senegal have never lost to an East African opponent in AFCON, with four wins and one draw from five matches played.
Has Senegal ever won an AFCON title?
This is Senegal’s 18th appearance in the AFCON finals, with their best result being the 2021 title they won in Cameroon. He has also been runner-up twice, in 2002 and 2019.
Has Sudan ever won an AFCON title?
This will be Sudan’s 10th appearance this year. Since their debut in 1957, they were runners-up twice, in 1959 and 1963, and won their only trophy in 1970.
Senegal team news
Senegal coach Pape Tiao will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended for this match after receiving a red card in the final group game.
Expected composition of Senegal
Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Sek, Moussa Niahate, Ismail Jacobs. Idrissa Gana Guye, Pape Guye. Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiayi, Sadio Mane. nicholas jackson
sudan team news
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah will be without midfielders Salah Adil, Abo Eissa and Abuagullah Abdallah due to injury.
Sudan’s expected lineup
Monged el nir. Shedi Berglan, Mohamed Eren, Mustafa Karshom, Bakit Khamis. Walierdin Khidir, Abdelazig Omer, Ammar Taifo. Amir Abdallah, Mohamed Abdelrahman, Mohamed Eisa
