AFCON Last 16: Senegal Eye Quarter-Final Spot Against Sudan

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 gets underway with a compelling encounter as Group D winners Senegal face Sudan, one of the four best third-placed teams to advance from the group stage.

Match News and Current Form

Senegal enter the knockout phase in confident form after securing top spot in Group D with two emphatic 3-0 victories. Goal difference saw them finish ahead of DR Congo, while their final group-stage win over Benin on matchday three handed them what appears to be a favourable tie on paper.

However, the Teranga Lions will be wary of complacency. At the previous AFCON, Senegal were eliminated at this same stage by a third-placed side Ivory Coast who went on to win the tournament as host nation. That experience serves as a reminder that knockout football offers no guarantees.

That said, Senegal’s recent form is difficult to ignore. They have won eight of their last ten matches across all competitions, drawing once and losing once, and will be confident of extending that run against a less fancied Sudanese side.

Sudan, meanwhile, have reached the AFCON knockout stage for just the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970. A single group-stage win was enough to secure progression, but defeats in their other two matches including a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso highlight their struggles. That result marked Sudan’s fourth defeat in their last five matches, part of a broader run that has seen them win only two of their last 15 games.

With their only AFCON knockout appearance in the past 50 years ending in a heavy 3-0 defeat, Sudan face a daunting task against one of the tournament favourites.

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Head-to-Head History

History heavily favours Senegal, who are unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Sudan, recording five wins and two draws. The sides met four times in 2025 alone, with Senegal winning twice and drawing twice. Sudan managed just one goal across all those encounters, the only goal they have ever scored against Senegal.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Only one of Senegal’s last seven matches has seen both teams score.
• The second half has produced more goals in eight of Senegal’s last ten AFCON finals matches.
• Just two of Sudan’s last 13 games featured goals for both teams.
• Sudan’s last five matches all produced at least one goal after the 70th minute.

Players to Watch and Team News

Senegal forward Cherif Ndiaye has developed a knack for decisive finishes, closing the scoring with all four of his senior international goals, including two at this tournament.

For Sudan, Mohamed Tia Asad remains the only player to have scored against Senegal, though he has collected more yellow cards (two) than goals (one) in international football.

Senegal will be without defensive leader Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Benin. Sudan could also be weakened, with Salaheldin Alhassan a doubt after sustaining an injury against Burkina Faso.

Betting Insight

Given Senegal’s dominance against lower-ranked opposition and Sudan’s poor recent form, a Senegal victory by a -1 handicap appears a strong proposition.

For the latest confirmed line-ups and match updates, fans are advised to check the Flashscore match centre.

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