Senegal face Sudan on Friday, January 3, 2026, in the AFCON Round of 16 at Tangier Grand Stadium. The Lions of Teranga are one of Africa’s top teams, having finished unbeaten in 2026 World Cup qualifying, with 7 wins and 3 draws. Sudan, who finished third in the same group, will be looking to pull off an upset in this knockout tie.
Softfootball reported that Senegal enter the game as clear favourites, with their experienced squad eager to maintain momentum in continental competition.
Team news
Team news sees Senegal fielding several stars, including Sadio Mané, back from AFCON duty, and Nicolas Jackson, fresh from his move to Bayern Munich. Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to anchor the defence, while Mane leads the attack alongside Jackson and I. Sarr. Sudan coach James Kwesi Appiah has named a squad led by Abdel Raouf and Salah Adel, with goalkeeper Munjed Alnil likely to start in place of Mohamed Mustafa.
Possible lineups
Senegal possible starting lineup: Mendy; Diatta, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diouf; H. Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Sarr; Mane, Jackson, I. Sarr
Sudan possible starting lineup: Alnil; Khamis, Ering, Karshoum, Zayed; Adel, Khedr, Abdalla, Raouf, A Eisa; Teiri
Softfootball Prediction
Senegal 2-0 Sudan. The home side’s firepower and experience should see them through to the quarterfinals. Senegal already posted updates on their Official X handle, and Softfootball reported that their AFCON squad looks ready for action.
Senegal will aim to carry forward the momentum from their 8–0 thrashing of Kenya, where Mané and Jackson ran riot, as they prepare with a star-studded 28-man squad for AFCON 2025.
