Sudan Hold Senegal to move closer to World Cup Berth

Sudan, a nation grappling with civil war, continued their impressive run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, holding African powerhouse Senegal to a 0-0 draw in a neutral-venue match in Benina, Libya. The result keeps Sudan top of Group B, one point ahead of DR Congo and two ahead of Senegal at the halfway stage of the African campaign.

Sudan, coached by James Kwesi Appiah, almost endured a disastrous start when goalkeeper Mohamed Mostafa missed a clearing kick within the first 30 seconds, but he recovered to prevent Boulaye Dia from scoring. The Falcons of Jediane, ranked 96 places below Senegal, were not intimidated and created chances of their own. Aboubaker Eisa missed an opportunity in the 20th minute, while Dia headed off target.

In the second half, Sudan’s Abdel Raouf tested Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a low strike, and had appeals for a penalty. Walieldin Khedr then flashed a shot past the post as the hosts threatened to take all three points.

Senegal, missing key Premier League players Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye, as well as Ligue 1 striker Habib Diallo, struggled to break down a resolute Sudanese defense. Sadio Mane came closest to a winner late on, but his attempted chip was saved by Mostafa, and his follow-up effort was blocked on the line by a defender. Mostafa then pulled off a stunning low stop to deny a header.

Sudan’s Dream Run Continues

Despite the ongoing civil war and the fact that their top two domestic clubs now play in Mauritania, Sudan have emerged as surprise contenders for a first-ever World Cup appearance. In the nine-month hiatus since the last qualifying fixtures, they also secured a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating four-time continental champions Ghana in the process.

Senegal’s Struggles Highlight Task Ahead

Senegal, while remaining unbeaten after five games in Group B, have won only twice and face a challenge to secure automatic qualification. Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup finals. The four best-placed runners-up across the nine groups will enter play-offs for a potential spot at an intercontinental tournament.

Togo and Mauritania Play Out Entertaining Draw

In Saturday’s other African qualifier, Togo and Mauritania drew 2-2. Togo striker Kevin Denkey, who recently moved to Major League Soccer, scored a 69th-minute equalizer. The result leaves both teams still seeking their first win in Group B. Togo are in fourth place with four points, while Mauritania are fifth with two.

Qualifying Picture at Halfway Stage

The two matches on Saturday marked the halfway point in the African preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. A sixth round of qualifiers will be played from Sunday to Tuesday, followed by four further matchdays in September and October.

The winners of each of the nine groups will qualify directly for the World Cup. The four best runners-up will then compete in a playoff for a potential further place at the finals via an inter-continental playoff. The results highlight the competitive nature of African World Cup qualifying, with several groups still tightly contested.