2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Sudan, an opponent the Lions have a good record against

Senegal will face Sudan this Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, for the third matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Just hours before this encounter, the head-to-head record heavily favors the Lions of Teranga. In six matches played so far, the Senegalese have secured five victories and one draw, remaining undefeated against the Falcons of Jediane.

The first encounter between the two national teams dates back to January 2012. In a friendly match, Senegal secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Demba Ba (22nd minute). This first match set the tone for subsequent encounters.

The two teams then met again during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In the first leg, on October 13, 2018 in Dakar, Aliou Cissé's men gave their opponents no chance. Pape Abou Cissé (17th minute), Idrissa Gana Gueye (18th minute), and Mbaye Niang (50th minute) all found the back of the net to give the Lions a convincing 3-0 victory.

In the return leg, played a few days later in Khartoum, Senegal confirmed their dominance. A goal from Sidy Sarr (86th minute) was enough for the visitors, who won by the narrowest of margins (1-0).

The two teams faced off again in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The first leg, played on March 22, 2025, in Benghazi, Libya, ended in a goalless draw (0-0). But in the return leg, on September 5 of the same year, the Lions resumed their winning ways with a 2-0 victory. Kalidou Koulibaly, in the 14th minute, and then Pape Matar Sarr in the 41st minute, secured the win for Senegal.

The last encounter between the two nations dates back to January 3, 2026, in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Once again, Senegal had the final say, winning 3-1 thanks to goals from Pape Gueye (29th and 45th+2 minutes) and Ibrahim Mbaye (77th minute). A convincing victory that confirms the Lions' dominance over the Sudanese side.

A new challenge in the race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

This Thursday, the two teams will meet for the seventh time. Beyond historical rivalry, this match holds particular importance in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal and Mozambique each have four points in Group J, with Mozambique holding a slight advantage in the standings.

In front of their home crowd, Patrick Vieira's men will be eager to return to winning ways after two away matches. A victory would give the Lions a significant advantage in the race for first place, and also allow them to approach the return leg in Khartoum on November 16th with greater confidence. Against an opponent who has rarely posed a challenge, the Senegalese will be looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their status as favorites.