Senegal and Sudan meet on Saturday at the Grand Stade de Tangier as the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations gets underway. Senegal arrives as one of the tournament favourites, while Sudan continues a surprise run after squeezing through the group stage. 

The Teranga Lions topped Group D with seven points, edging DR Congo on goal difference. Pape Thiaw’s side looked solid and controlled throughout the group phase, scoring seven goals and conceding just once. Comfortable 3-0 wins over Botswana and Benin underlined their strength at both ends of the pitch. 

This is familiar territory for Senegal. They are targeting a fourth quarter-final appearance in their last five AFCON tournaments and come into this tie in strong form, with eight wins in their last ten matches across all competitions. After a painful round-of-16 exit at the last AFCON, there is a clear focus on avoiding any slip this time. 

Sudan, meanwhile, have already exceeded expectations. They finished third in Group E and advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, despite losing two of their three group matches. A narrow 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea proved enough to keep their tournament alive. 

However, form is a concern. Sudan have won just two of their last 15 matches and arrive on the back of four defeats in their last five games. Their AFCON history also offers little comfort, with only two wins in the competition since lifting the trophy in 1970. Senegal will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, while Ilay Camara and Assane Diao remain sidelined through injury. Still, the attacking options are strong, with Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye all available. 

Sudan have their own injury worries, with Abuaagla Mohamed, Abobaker Eisa, and Adil Salaheldin set to miss out. Most of the squad is fit, but depth could be tested against elite opposition.

🔹 Sadio Mane – Big-game experience and leadership 

🔹 Ismaila Sarr – Direct threat on the wing 

🔹 Mohamed Abdelrahman – Sudan’s creative outlet 

🔹 Mendy – Commanding presence in goal 

Senegal brings control, depth, and tournament know-how. Sudan bring belief and nothing to lose. In knockout football, that gap can close quickly, but Senegal will expect to impose themselves and move one step closer to the title.