Sudan frustrate Senegal to remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifiers

Sudan’s impressive campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers continued on Saturday evening as they held group favourites Senegal to a goalless draw in Benghazi, Libya. The result cements Sudan’s position at the top of Group B, where they remain unbeaten with 11 points from five matches—two points ahead of Senegal and one above DR Congo.

For the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, the draw adds pressure as they prepare to face Togo on Tuesday, with their path to reclaiming the top spot becoming more challenging.

Despite boasting an experienced squad filled with top European-based stars, Senegal found it difficult to break down a disciplined Sudanese side coached by former Ghana Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah. Sudan, regarded as the group’s surprise package, frustrated their opponents with a compact defensive structure and effective counterattacks.

Senegal nearly capitalized on an early defensive lapse when Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa made a mistake in the opening minute, but he recovered in time to prevent an embarrassing start.

The Lions of Teranga dominated possession throughout the game, yet it was Sudan who looked more threatening on the counterattack. The best opportunity of the first half fell to a Sudanese forward in the 20th minute, who rounded Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy but failed to convert with the goal at his mercy.

Senegal also had their chances, missing a one-on-one opportunity before squandering another close-range effort just before halftime.

Sudan began the second half with renewed confidence, forcing Mendy into action just three minutes after the restart. The Senegalese goalkeeper parried a powerful long-range effort before smothering the rebound under intense pressure. Sudan’s penalty claims were dismissed moments later when their attacker went down in the box following the play.

Senegal’s best moment came in the 54th minute when star forward Sadio Mané attempted an overhead kick inside the box, only to send his effort over the bar with the Sudanese goalkeeper beaten.

Sudan could have stolen all three points in the 76th minute, but Walieldin Khidir scuffed his shot wide from close range. Mané had another opportunity four minutes later, but his effort was cleared off the line.

Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a breakthrough, resulting in a pulsating contest that ended in a stalemate.

With this draw, Sudan edge closer to making history with a potential first-ever World Cup qualification, while Senegal must regroup quickly as they face an uphill battle in the group standings. The upcoming fixtures on Tuesday will be crucial in determining the fate of both teams in the qualifiers.