Sudan, a nation grappling with a devastating civil war, secured a 0-0 draw against Senegal in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match held on neutral ground in Benina, Libya.
This result significantly impacts Group B, showcasing Sudan’s unexpected strength in the face of adversity.
Despite the absence of their home advantage, Sudan’s performance was nothing short of heroic. Sadio Mane, Senegal’s star forward, came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock late in the game.
His attempted chip was brilliantly saved by Sudan’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Mostafa, who then denied Mane’s follow-up effort with a crucial goal-line block.
Mostafa further solidified his status as the hero of the match with a stunning low save to thwart Cherif Ndiaye’s header.
Sudan themselves had opportunities to snatch victory, with Walieldin Khedr sending a shot narrowly wide in the second half.
The Falcons of Jediane now sit atop Group B, a point ahead of DR Congo, with Senegal a further point behind. With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup, the stakes are incredibly high.
“I told Sudan players to feel they are Messi or Ronaldo,” said coach James Kwesi Appiah, in a prior interview, inspiring his team to play beyond their limitations.
Adding to the narrative of Sudan’s resilience, the country’s top two domestic clubs are currently playing in Mauritania, highlighting the severe disruption caused by the ongoing conflict.
This result, coupled with their recent qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they eliminated Ghana, signals a remarkable period for Sudanese football.
In a separate Group B clash in Lome, Togo and Mauritania played out an enthralling 2-2 draw.
Thibault Klidje opened the scoring for Togo early in the fourth minute, but Mauritania fought back valiantly.
Aboubakary Koita levelled the score with a stunning curling shot, and Abdallahi Mahmoud then put Mauritania ahead with a simple tap-in.
However, Togo’s Kevin Denkey equalized in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error.
Both sides had chances to win the game, with Pape Yade of Mauritania hitting the post and Togo’s Kwame Mawuena narrowly missing the target.
The four teams in Group B will be back in action on Tuesday. Sudan will host South Sudan, Senegal will welcome Togo, and DR Congo will travel to Mauritania.
