The Senegal vs Sudan showdown will launch the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday, January 4, 2026, at Tangier’s iconic Grand Stade de Tanger (Ibn Batouta Stadium). The round-of-16 encounter marks the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between the two nations, adding historical weight to an already high-stakes fixture.
Group winners Senegal arrive as firm favourites, widely tipped to make a deep tournament run, while Sudan enter the match as underdogs after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. Despite the gap in pedigree, knockout football leaves little room for complacency.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The Senegal vs Sudan match is scheduled to kick off at approximately 5:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT), setting the stage for the first elimination contest of AFCON 2026.
Fans across the Middle East and North Africa will be able to watch the match live on beIN SPORTS, with coverage available on beIN Max 1 and beIN Max 2. Renowned commentator Hassan Al-Aidaroos is expected to be on the call, bringing added attention to the high-profile encounter.
Senegal vs Sudan: A Historic AFCON First
Although Senegal and Sudan have crossed paths in World Cup and AFCON qualifying, they have never previously met in an AFCON finals match. Their most recent competitive encounters came during 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Senegal edged the tie on aggregate, underlining their dominance but also Sudan’s resilience.
This historic first meeting in the AFCON knockout stage adds an extra layer of intrigue, particularly with Sudan seeking redemption against a side that has consistently outperformed them in recent years.
Senegal’s Form and Tournament Credentials
Senegal enter the Senegal vs Sudan clash with confidence after topping Group D with seven points. The Teranga Lions opened their campaign with commanding 3-0 victories over Botswana and Benin, sandwiching a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
The reigning African champions boast one of the tournament’s most disciplined defences, combined with explosive attacking options. Their balanced squad depth, tournament experience, and tactical discipline make them one of the strongest contenders for the AFCON title.
With knockout football underway, Senegal will aim to assert control early and avoid allowing Sudan to grow into the game.
Sudan’s Path to the Knockout Stage
Sudan’s journey to the round of 16 has been far more turbulent. Competing in Group E, the Falcons of Jediane finished with three points, enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Their campaign included:
- A 3-0 defeat to Algeria
- A crucial 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea via an own goal
- A 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso
Despite mixed results, Sudan showed defensive discipline in key moments, which could prove vital against Senegal’s attacking firepower.
Probable Sudan Lineup and Tactical Outlook
Local reports suggest Sudan may line up with Ali Abu Ashreen in goal, protected by a back four of Yasser Awad, Bakheet Khamis, Mustafa Karshoum, and Awad Zayed.
The midfield trio is expected to include Salah Adel, Abu Aqla Abdullah, and Ammar Tayfour, tasked with disrupting Senegal’s rhythm. Up front, Yasser Muzammil, Mohamed Asad, and Mohamed Abdul Rahman are likely to lead the attack, relying on counterattacks and set pieces to threaten.
What to Expect From Senegal vs Sudan
On paper, Senegal vs Sudan looks like a one-sided contest, with the Teranga Lions entering as clear favourites based on squad depth, recent form, and tournament pedigree. Senegal’s superior technical quality, physical presence, and experience in high-pressure knockout matches give them a clear advantage, particularly in controlling possession and dictating tempo from midfield.
However, AFCON knockout matches are rarely predictable, and Sudan have already shown they can remain compact and disciplined against stronger opposition. Their defensive structure and willingness to absorb pressure may limit Senegal’s space in the final third, forcing the favourites to rely on patience and precision rather than early dominance.
Final Thoughts
As the AFCON 2026 knockout stage begins, Senegal vs Sudan sets the tone for what promises to be a dramatic elimination phase. Senegal will aim to justify their favourite status, while Sudan chase one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
For official match coverage and updates, follow reporting from Al-Masry Al-Youm and AFCON’s broadcast partners.