Fri Jan 02 12:11:22 UTC 2026: ## War-Torn Sudan Faces Uphill Battle Against Senegal in AFCON Round of 16
Tangier, Morocco – In a David vs. Goliath matchup, Sudan, a nation grappling with a devastating civil war, will face off against tournament favorites Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16. The match, scheduled for Saturday at 5pm GMT at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, presents a daunting challenge for the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition.
Sudan’s remarkable journey to the knockout stages, their first in 14 years, has provided a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the country since April 2023. Tens of thousands have been killed and over 12 million displaced in what the UN calls the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
Despite the personal hardships, including goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja’s brother being taken prisoner, the team has persevered. “Everyone has just tried to get through this period, but it has been difficult with the tension all over Sudan,” Abooja told AFP. “In the end, our results on the pitch are what make the people happy and boost their morale.”
Sudan secured their place in the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to a fortunate 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, only their second AFCON win since their 1970 triumph.
Their opponents, Senegal, are a different beast entirely. The reigning AFCON champions, boasting stars like Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane, cruised through the group stage and are heavily favored to secure a quarterfinal spot.
Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, however, he can still count on goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye and veteran forward Sadio Mané.
Sudan will be without injured midfielders Salah Adil, Abo Eisa and Abuaagla Abdalla. Standout performers thus far include midfielders Walieldin Khidir and Ammar Toaifour, and defender Sheddy Barglan.
Historically, Senegal have dominated encounters with Sudan, remaining undefeated in seven previous matches. Their most recent clash saw Senegal win 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in September.
The winner of this match will remain in Tangier to face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarterfinals on January 9th. While Sudan’s journey has been inspiring, overcoming Senegal’s firepower and experience will require a monumental effort.
First Piper 