Tangier, Morocco – January 2, 2026: The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025) Round of 16 kicks off with a fascinating clash between heavyweights Senegal and resilient underdogs Sudan at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier. The match is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time (16:00 GMT). Fans can follow coverage on Al Jazeera Sport starting from 13:00 GMT with live commentary and pre-match build-up.
This tie pits one of Africa’s most formidable teams against a war-torn nation making a remarkable return to the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years.
Senegal: AFCON 2025 Heavyweights
Senegal, Africa’s second-highest-ranked nation (19th in the world), enter the Round of 16 as title favourites, boasting impressive attacking options and a disciplined defensive setup. The 2021 AFCON champions finished top of Group D with seven points from two wins and a draw, narrowly edging out DR Congo on goal difference.
Key Players:
- Nicolas Jackson – Senegal’s prolific striker, scored twice in the opening match against Botswana.
- Sadio Mane – Veteran winger with 17 AFCON goals and assists since 2010, bringing invaluable experience.
- Cherif Ndiaye – Impact substitute, already netted two goals in the tournament.
- Idrissa Gana Gueye & Iliman Ndiaye – Midfield maestros controlling Senegal’s tempo.
Team News:
Coach Pape Thiaw will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, suspended after receiving a red card in the final group game. Despite this setback, Senegal maintain a 14-match unbeaten run at AFCON, with 17 clean sheets since 2017, highlighting their defensive resilience.
Predicted Lineup:
Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane; Nicolas Jackson
Sudan: AFCON 2025 Underdogs
Sudan’s journey to the Round of 16 has been nothing short of inspiring. Amid ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the team managed to advance as one of the four best third-placed teams in Group E. They earned three points through a narrow 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, marking only their second-ever win at the tournament since lifting their only AFCON trophy in 1970.
Key Players:
- Walieldin Khidir & Ammar Toaifour – Midfielders providing creative spark and defensive cover.
- Sheddy Barglan – Defender anchoring Sudan’s backline.
- Mohamed Abooja – Goalkeeper coping with personal tragedy but showing remarkable composure under pressure.
Team News:
Coach Kwesi Appiah will miss midfielders Salah Adil, Abo Eisa, and Abuaagla Abdalla due to injuries. Sudan have conceded six goals in the tournament, the highest among Round of 16 qualifiers, but their morale remains high after progressing despite overwhelming odds.
Predicted Lineup:
Monged El Neel; Sheddy Barglan, Mohamed Ereng, Mustafa Karshom, Bakhit Khamis; Walieldin Khidir, Abdelrazig Omer, Ammar Taifour; Aamir Abdallah, Mohammed Abdel-Rahman, Mohamed Eisa
Historical Context & Head-to-Head
- Previous AFCON meetings: This will be their first encounter at AFCON finals, although they met in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September, which Senegal won 2-0.
- Overall head-to-head record: Senegal remain unbeaten in seven previous meetings, with four wins and three draws.
- AFCON achievements: Senegal are vying for their second AFCON title after winning in 2021 and finishing as runners-up twice (2002, 2019). Sudan have appeared ten times at AFCON, winning once in 1970 and finishing runners-up in 1959 and 1963.
Match Significance
The winner will remain in Tangier to face the victor of the Mali vs Tunisia quarterfinal on January 9. Senegal are expected to dominate possession and apply attacking pressure, but Sudan’s resilience and determination could make for a competitive and unpredictable game.
This match also represents more than football for Sudan, whose players and fans see the tournament as a symbol of hope and national pride amid ongoing humanitarian crises caused by conflict and displacement.
Key AFCON Stats – Senegal vs Sudan
| Stat | Senegal | Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON unbeaten run | 14 matches | – |
| Goals scored in group stage | 7 | 1 |
| Goals conceded | 3 | 6 |
| AFCON titles | 1 (2021) | 1 (1970) |
| Head-to-head record | 4W, 3D | 0 |
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