- Here is Senegal vs Sudan prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks first match of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM EAT / 5:00 PM local time.
A blockbuster fixture awaits on Saturday evening as Senegal lock horns with Sudan at the Grande Stade de Tangier- a match poised to curtain-raise the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage in Morocco.
Both sides enter this clash in contrasting form from the group stage.
The Lions of Teranga sealed automatic qualification after topping Group D, while Sudan secured their progress as the best third-place finisher in Group F.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times & venues
Senegal completed the group stage undefeated, with two victories and a draw.
They opened the tournament with a 3-0 triumph over Botswana, navigated a challenging encounter against DR Congo in a 1-1 draw, and concluded with a 3-0 win over Benin, despite playing with ten men for nearly twenty minutes in the second half after defender Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a red card.
For the Falcons of Jediane, their campaign may not have been flawless, but they demonstrated their resilience.
Fortunes have favored them on the pitch despite turmoil back home.
ALSO READ: How Sudan players are using AFCON 2025 to unite a nation in crisis
They began the competition with a 3-0 defeat to Algeria in Group F a match in which they were reduced to ten men, then stunned observers with a 1-0 victory over eliminated dark horses Equatorial Guinea, courtesy of an own goal from Sail Coco.
They later fell 2-0 to Burkina Faso in their final group match.
Thus, Kwesi Appiah’s squad now advances to the knockout phase for the first time since 2012, having previously progressed beyond the group stage only in 1970.
Here are the key details for the Senegal vs Sudan encounter on Saturday, along with some betting tips for your wagers on SportPesa.
What time does Senegal vs Sudan kick off?
The two sides will square off at the Grande Stade de Tangier on January 3, with kickoff set for 7 pm EAT / 5 pm local time.
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Senegal vs Sudan team news
For Senegal, the disappointing news is that captain Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended after being shown a straight red card in the 3-0 win over Benin.
Ilay Camara (muscle) and Assane Diao (thigh) are also expected to miss the action on Saturday due to their respective injuries.
But they still possess considerable squad depth, led by Sadio Mané, who will be seeking to ensure the team advances to the quarterfinals.
Salaheldin Adil is Sudan’s primary injury concern after being replaced late in the 2-0 defeat against Burkina Faso, joining Abuaagla Mohamed, who also suffered an injury.
Senegal vs Sudan predicted lineups
- Senegal: Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhate, Seck, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; Ndiaye, Mané, Sarr; Jackson
- Sudan: Elneel; Awad, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, Khamis; Taifour, Alhassan Omer; Nooh, Eisa, Abdelrahman
Senegal vs Sudan head-to-head record
This will be the first meeting between the two sides at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Overall, they have met seven times previously, with Senegal undefeated, recording four wins and three draws.
Four of those seven meetings have taken place in 2025, making this their fifth encounter in under a year.
Their most recent meeting was on 5 September 2025, which saw Senegal win 2–0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, with goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.
Senegal vs Sudan prediction and betting tips
Senegal have never lost to East African opponents at AFCON, having played five matches, winning four and drawing one.
Sudan are the fourth East African team Senegal have faced at the tournament, after Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
Sudan are facing a West African opponent for the 11th time at AFCON, with a record of P10 W3 D1 L6.
Their only victories against West African teams came with a 4–0 win over Nigeria in the 1963 group stage, a 1–0 win over Ghana in the 1970 final, and a 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso in the 2012 group stage.
Without doubt, Senegal are the favorites to win this match and progress into the next round, but it will not be straightforward, as Sudan will arrive knowing they are the underdogs and will be determined to prove themselves among the best.
This sets up a thrilling contest that is expected to produce goals from both sides, particularly Senegal.