The Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco features a clash between Senegal, one of Africa’s top teams and former champions, and Sudan, the underdogs who showed grit to reach this stage. The defending champions Senegal vs Sudan, will be in knockout action on January 3, 2026, at the Grand Stade de Tangier.
Senegal, 2021 winners and pre-tournament favorites, topped Group D with 7 points (two wins, one draw), showcasing attacking firepower (Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mané) but missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly (suspended after red card vs Benin).
Sudan, ranked 117th globally, progressed as one of the best third-placed teams with 3 points from a win over Equatorial Guinea—their first AFCON knockout since 2012 amid civil war challenges back home.
With Senegal unbeaten in 17 competitive games and Sudan seeking a historic upset, this Senegal vs Sudan clash—first AFCON meeting—sets an electric tone for the knockouts in Morocco.
Senegal vs Sudan – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Match: Senegal vs Sudan, Round of 16
- Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026
- Kick-off: 5:00 PM local (4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT)
- Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco
- Senegal form: W D W
- Sudan form: L W L
Predictions: Senegal 3-0 win—favorites’ depth overwhelms Sudan’s grit, clean sheet likely given Sudan’s low scoring (one goal in groups, via own goal).
Team News and Analysis
Senegal
- Senegal topped their group with a strong showing, including wins and clean sheets, and arrive as favourites.
- Their balanced squad blends seasoned internationals and tactical discipline under coach Pape Thiaw.
Sudan
- Sudan progressed to the Round of 16 despite not scoring a single goal in open play during group matches — their only goal came via an own goal from an opponent.
- Coach Kwesi Appiah has emphasised belief and collective effort ahead of this heavyweight test.
Senegal vs Sudan Head-to-Head Record
Senegal is unbeaten in their last six meetings, with four wins and two draws, having never won the AFCON before. Their matches tend to have a low average of goals.
Senegal have historically dominated head-to-head meetings against Sudan and remain unbeaten in their recent encounters.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Qualifiers/Friendlies | Senegal dominant | Senegal 4W, 2D |
Senegal vs Sudan Predicted XI Lineups
- Senegal starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhate, Seck, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Ndiaye, Mane, Sarr; Jackson
- Sudan starting lineup (4-4-1-1): Elneel; Awad, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis; Taifour, Alhassan Omer; Nooh, Eisa, Abdelrahman
Thiaw/Appiah updates: Senegal Sarr/Jackson return; Sudan standard setup. Subs: Diallo (Senegal), Abdelrahman (Sudan).
Key Players
- Senegal: Nicolas Jackson – Forward’s finishing (top form) punishes gaps; movement exploits Sudan’s block.
- Sudan: Mohamed Abdelrahman – Striker leads attack; threat in limited chances vs Senegal’s defense.
Match Prediction
Senegal is expected to control possession and dictating tempo, leveraging their tactical balance and finishing quality. Sudan will aim to frustrate and seek opportunities on the counter, but scoring has been a notable struggle.
- Predicted Score: Senegal 3–0 Sudan
Rationale: Senegal’s strong defensive record and attacking depth tip the balance, while Sudan’s lack of goals suggests difficulty breaking down a disciplined opponent.
Where to Watch Senegal vs Sudan
Stream Senegal vs Sudan live with AFCON coverage:
- USA: beIN SPORTS, beIN CONNECT, fuboTV. Starts 11:00 AM ET.
- Canada: DAZN Canada. 11:00 AM ET.
- Australia: beIN Sports. Begins 3:00 AM AEDT (Jan 4).
- Europe: BBC iPlayer/Channel 4 (UK free), beIN Sports (France/Spain), DAZN (Germany/Italy).
- Africa: Local broadcasters and CAF partners (SuperSport, local free-to-air where applicable)
- UK: Coverage typically via beIN Sports and online streaming partners
- Always check local listings for live timing and broadcast details.
CAF app highlights. ExpressVPN geo-unlocks. Teranga Lions or Falcons—knockout kicks off!