Sudan and Senegal Clash in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Rabat, Libya — Sudan and Senegal will face off in a pivotal World Cup qualifying match at the Benina Martyrs Stadium on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. local time. This African qualifier is crucial for both teams as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Sudan enters the match leading Group B with 10 points from four matches, having won three and drawn one. After a shaky start with a 1-1 draw against Togo, Sudan has shown resilience, posting consecutive victories over Congo DR, Mauritania, and South Sudan. Head coach Kwesi Appiah emphasized the team’s ambition, stating, “We have a lot of good players who are physically strong and hardworking. I believe they can achieve great things with the right support and preparation.”

On the other side, Senegal, the reigning African champions and previously favored to dominate the group, trail Sudan with 8 points in second place. Despite a sluggish start that included a draw against Togo, they bounced back with a 4-0 win over South Sudan. Coach Aissatou Sow’s players aim to maintain their solid momentum, riding a 12-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Historically, Senegal has maintained an advantage over Sudan, winning all three prior encounters. The last two meetings in AFCON qualifiers saw Senegal triumph 3-0 and 1-0, respectively. However, Sudan’s current form may present a formidable challenge, particularly with the support of their fans at the neutral venue.

Appiah has selected a 27-man squad, primarily composed of players from Sudanese domestic giants Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Key performers include veteran striker Mohamed Abdelrahman, who is on the cusp of becoming the national team’s all-time top scorer.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s squad features an array of talent, including star striker Sadio Mané. However, the team will miss Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson due to a hamstring injury. Senegal is coming off a previous friendly match that resulted in a goalless draw against Oman, giving them additional motivation to secure victory in this crucial qualifier.

The teams are expected to field their strongest lineups, promising an exciting match. As both strive for a World Cup berth, neither will overlook the significance of this encounter. As both nations prepare for kickoff, the pressure mounts to emerge victorious in this essential step towards the World Cup, with Sudan aiming for their first appearance and Senegal attempting to bolster their qualification efforts.