Sudan vs. Senegal: A Crucial Showdown in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

 

The African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are heating up, with teams across the continent vying for a coveted spot in the tournament. Among the standout fixtures is the clash between Sudan and Senegal, a match that promises excitement and high stakes.

Match Details

• Date and Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM UTC.​

• Venue: Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. ​FootBoom+3Morocco World News+3SuperSport+3

• Significance: This match is pivotal in the African qualifiers, with both teams aiming to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.​

Team Backgrounds

Sudan:

• Historical Performance: Sudan has had limited appearances in World Cup qualifiers, often facing challenges in advancing to the later stages.​

• Recent Form: Under the guidance of head coach Kwesi Appiah, Sudan has shown ambition and resilience, aiming to make a mark in the current qualifiers. ​SuperSport+1SuperSport+1

Senegal:

• Historical Performance: Senegal has been a strong contender in African football, with notable performances in past World Cups, including a quarter-final appearance in 2002.​

• Recent Form: The team continues to showcase its strength, with a roster filled with talent competing in top European leagues.​

Coaching Staff

Sudan:

• Head Coach: Kwesi Appiah, a Ghanaian tactician known for his strategic approach and experience in African football. ​

Senegal:

• Head Coach: Aliou Cissé, a former Senegalese international who has been instrumental in elevating the team's performance on the global stage.​

Key Players to Watch

Sudan:

• Mohamed Abdelrahman: A prolific forward known for his agility and goal-scoring prowess.​

• Nasr Eldin El Shigail: A veteran midfielder providing experience and stability in the center of the park.​

Senegal:

• Sadio Mané: A dynamic winger with a keen eye for goal, currently playing for Bayern Munich.​

• Kalidou Koulibaly: A commanding defender renowned for his strength and leadership at the back.​Houston Chronicle+1Reuters+1

Team Strategies and Tactics

Sudan:

• Formation: Often deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a solid defensive setup with quick counter-attacks.​

• Playing Style: Emphasizes disciplined defending and exploiting spaces behind the opposition's defense.​

Senegal:

• Formation: Typically utilizes a 4-3-3 formation, highlighting their attacking strengths.​

• Playing Style: Relies on pacey wingers and a robust midfield to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.​

Head-to-Head Record

In their previous three encounters, Senegal has emerged victorious each time, showcasing their dominance in past meetings. ​FootBoom+3Sports Mole+3Morocco World News+3

Current Group Standings

As of the latest standings, Sudan leads Group B with 10 points, while Senegal is in a challenging position, making this match crucial for both teams' qualification hopes. ​The Guardian

Market Value of the Teams

Sudan:

• Overall Team Value: Estimated at €3 million.​

• Key Player Values:

  • Mohamed Abdelrahman: Approximately €500,000.​

• Senegal:

  • Overall Team Value: Estimated at €350 million.

  • Key Player Values:

    • Sadio Mané: Around €25 million—one of the most valuable players in African football.

    • Kalidou Koulibaly: Valued at approximately €15 million, bringing defensive solidity to the team.

    • Ismaïla Sarr: An exciting winger with a market value of about €20 million.

  The stark contrast in market values between Sudan and Senegal highlights the difference in experience and exposure at the international level. While Sudan has promising talents, Senegal boasts a roster filled with globally recognized stars.

  Broadcast Information

  For fans eager to catch the action live, the match will be available on multiple television networks across different regions. The following channels will broadcast the Sudan vs. Senegal game:

  • beIN Sports HD 1 – Available in the Middle East and North Africa.

  • Sport TV1 Portugal – Covers the match for Portuguese viewers.

  • Diema Sport 2 HD – Broadcasts the game in Bulgaria.

  • SuperSport Maximo 1 – Available across Africa.

  • Digi Sport 2 HD Romania – Covers the game for Romanian audiences.

  Additionally, streaming services affiliated with these networks may offer online viewing options.

  Fan Expectations and Preparations

  Sudan and Senegal both have passionate football supporters, and the anticipation for this match is at an all-time high.

  • Sudan’s Perspective: Fans are hoping for a historic performance from their team, believing they can challenge Senegal despite the odds.

  • Senegal’s Perspective: With high expectations, supporters expect nothing less than a commanding victory to strengthen their qualification bid.

  Both teams will have their dedicated fan sections in the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

  Predictions and Betting Odds

  Given Senegal’s superior squad depth and international experience, they are the clear favorites to win. However, Sudan has shown resilience in the qualifiers and could pose a challenge.

  • Odds Favoring Senegal: Most bookmakers place Senegal as the heavy favorites with odds around 1.30 for a win.

  • Draw Probability: A draw is less likely, with odds around 4.50.

  • Sudan’s Chances: A Sudanese victory would be a significant upset, reflected in long odds of 8.00 or more.

  While football is unpredictable, Sudan’s strategy will rely on disciplined defending and counterattacks to surprise their opponents.

  Potential Impact on Qualification

  This match is crucial for both teams' World Cup aspirations:

  • If Sudan Wins: They will solidify their position at the top of their group, putting them in a strong position for qualification.

  • If Senegal Wins: They will move up the standings, increasing their chances of making it to the World Cup.

  • If It Ends in a Draw: Both teams will still have opportunities to qualify, but it could make the race tighter.

  With everything at stake, both teams will give their best performance.

  Conclusion

  The Sudan vs. Senegal match is more than just a football game—it’s a battle for national pride and a step closer to the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup. With talented players, strategic coaching, and passionate supporters, this encounter promises excitement and drama. While Senegal enters as the favorite, Sudan’s determination should not be underestimated. No matter the outcome, football fans are in for a thrilling match.

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  FAQs

  1. What time is the Sudan vs. Senegal match?

     • The match kicks off at 7:00 PM UTC.

  2. Where is the match being played?

     • The match will take place at Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.

  3. Which channels are broadcasting the match?

     • The match will be aired on beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.

  4. Who are the key players to watch?

     • For Sudan, Mohamed Abdelrahman and Nasr Eldin El Shigail will be crucial. For Senegal, Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ismaïla Sarr are the ones to watch.

  5. How does this match affect World Cup qualification chances?

     • A win for either team will significantly boost their chances of qualifying, while a loss could make their path more difficult.