AFCON 2025: Senegal to face Sudan in tournament opener

Sudan Advances to Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, Faces Challenging Test Against Senegal

The African Football Confederation (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations has reached its round of 16 stage, with Sudan emerging as one of the four best third-placed teams. The team will face Senegal in a highly anticipated match on January 3 at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier.

Sudan’s participation in the knockout stages marks a significant achievement for the country, which has been affected by ongoing turmoil and conflict since April 2023. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and over 12 million displaced people.

Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Abooja, spoke about the impact of the conflict on the team, stating that “the results on the pitch are what make the people happy and boost their morale.” The team progressed to the round of 16 with three points in Group E, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Senegal, ranked second-highest in Africa at 19th globally, finished top of Group D with seven points after two wins and a draw. The team boasts considerable attacking firepower, led by Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. Sudan’s standout performers include midfielders Walieldin Khidir and Ammar Toaifour, along with defender Sheddy Barglan.

The match between Senegal and Sudan will be their first encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations and fifth overall in a span of a year. The winner of the match will advance to the quarterfinals on January 9 against the winner of the Mali and Tunisia match.

Source: Al Jazeera