Senegal will kick off the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Sudan in the round of 16 at the Grand Stade de Tangier on Saturday. The Teranga Lions topped Group D with seven points from three matches, while Sudan progressed as one of the best third-placed teams from Group E.
Senegal’s Form and Expectations
Former champions Senegal have been in solid form throughout the tournament, as expected, securing their place at the top of Group D thanks to a superior goal difference over DR Congo. Under coach Pape Thiaw, the Teranga Lions aim to make their fourth quarter-final appearance in five AFCON tournaments.
Their group stage form has been particularly convincing, with 3-0 victories over Botswana and Benin and a 1-1 draw in their other match. Senegal scored seven goals and conceded just one in the process. Across all competitions, they come into this tie with eight wins from their last ten matches, signaling a team in strong momentum.
Despite being favourites, Senegal will be wary of complacency after being knocked out at the same stage by Ivory Coast in a previous edition.
Sudan’s Challenge
Sudan’s journey to the round of 16 has been less straightforward. They won only one of their group matches, a narrow 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, but it was enough to see them through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Historically, Sudan have struggled at the AFCON, winning just two of 19 matches across six appearances since their 1970 triumph. Current form is also concerning, with only one win in their last five games (D1, L3). Head-to-head against Senegal offers little encouragement either, with Sudan failing to beat the Teranga Lions in seven previous encounters.
Team News
Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended following a red card against Benin. Injuries to Ilay Camara (muscle) and Assane Diao (thigh) mean they will also miss the match. However, Senegal’s attacking options remain potent, with Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane, and Jackson set to lead the line.
Sudan face a few injury concerns, with Abuaagla Mohamed, Abobaker Eisa, and Adil Salaheldin unavailable, but most of their squad is fit and ready for the challenge.
Predicted Lineups:
Senegal (3-4-3): Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhate, Seck, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Ndiaye, Mane, Sarr; Jackson
Sudan (4-3-3): Elneel; Awad, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis; Taifour, Alhassan Omer; Nooh, Eisa, Abdelrahman
Prediction
On paper, Senegal are expected to dominate, with a clear class advantage over Sudan. We back the Teranga Lions to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory and progress to the quarter-finals.
Score Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Sudan
