Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan recorded another impressive result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, holding Sadio Mane and his star-studded Senegal to a goalless draw.
Sadio Mane came closest to scoring a winner for Senegal late in the match in Benina, Libya. His attempted chip shot was saved by Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Mostafa, before a follow-up effort was blocked by a defender on the line. Mostafa then made a stunning low save to deny a header from Cherif Ndiaye.
Sudan nearly claimed all three points when Walieldin Khedr sent a shot just past the post early in the second half. Almost two years into the civil war, with the country’s top two domestic clubs now competing in Mauritania, Sudan’s coach, James Kwesi Appiah, has fans dreaming of their first-ever World Cup finals appearance.
In the nine-month break since their last qualifying matches, Sudan surprisingly secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating four-time continental champions Ghana in the process.
As they returned to their quest for the World Cup, Sudan had a shaky start when goalkeeper Mostafa misplayed a clearance within the first 30 seconds. However, he quickly recovered and managed to scramble the loose ball out of harm’s way with Boulaye Dia poised to score.
In the second half, Sudan midfielder Abdel Raouf tested Senegal’s Edouard Mendy with a low strike, although he was denied a penalty after challenging the goalkeeper for the rebound. Mane also sent an overhead kick just wide of the target and was thwarted twice more in the last ten minutes of the game.
The Falcons of Jediane currently sit one point clear of DR Congo at the top of Group B, halfway through the African qualifying campaign, with Senegal just a point behind. The West Africans remain unbeaten after five games in Group B, but with only two wins, they have much work ahead to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup finals.
