Senegal vs Sudan: Round of 16 of Africa Cup of Nations begins today

Staff Report: PNN

The Round of 16 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025–26 begins today, with the first match between fan-favorite Senegal and lowest-ranked Sudan. The match will take place at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, starting at 5 PM local time (GMT 16:00).

Senegal, featuring attackers Nicholas Jackson and Sadio Mané, reached the Round of 16 after a strong group-stage performance. The 2021 champions remain one of the top contenders for the trophy this year.

Sudan, ranked 117th, reached the knockout stage for the first time in 14 years, winning 1–0 against Equatorial Guinea in Group E. This victory is a significant achievement given the country’s ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abuza noted that the conflict affected the team, but match results help boost morale.

Senegal topped Group D with 7 points, scoring seven goals (second-highest in the group) with two wins and one draw. Sudan finished third in their group with a single win against Equatorial Guinea.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw will miss captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who received a red card in the final group match.

The winner of Senegal vs Sudan will face the victor of Mali vs Tunisia in the quarterfinals on January 9.

Approximate Senegal lineup: Édouard Mendy; Krépin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niyakhate, Ismaila Jacobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Elimane Ndiaye, Sadio Mané; Nicholas Jackson.

Approximate Sudan lineup: Manged El Nil; Shadi Barglan, Mohamed Ering, Mustafa Karsham, Bakhit Khamis; Walieldin Khidir, Abdelrazig Omar, Omar Taweefur; Amir Abdallah, Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, Mohamed Isa.

Fans can expect a clean, competitive match, with Senegal aiming for the title and Sudan seeking to create an upset.