Senegal v Sudan: Vieira’s side return to Dakar for key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Senegal host Sudan in a crucial Group J Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier on Thursday, with the match marking Patrick Vieira’s first home game as national-team manager.

The Lions are second in the group with four points, level with leaders Mozambique but behind on goal difference. Senegal opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique before beating Ethiopia 1-0.

Sudan have three points. They defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in their opening match, but were then beaten 4-1 by Mozambique.

Victory would move Vieira’s side four points clear of Sudan before the teams meet again next Monday in Juba.

Kick-off at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in Dakar is at 19:00 Senegal time (GMT), or 20:00 in France. The match will be shown in Senegal by RTS and Canal+ Sport Afrique (channel 1), while viewers in France can watch on beIN Sports Max 4.

Senegal return to Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor

The fixture will be Senegal’s return to the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor, where they have not played since beating Mali 2-1 on 26 March 2019.

The seven-and-a-half-year absence is the result of the organisation of the Youth Olympic Games, which has meant that the Stade Abdoulaye-Wade in Diamniadio is currently being used.

It will also be Vieira’s first match in charge on home soil. Senegal played the opening two rounds of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign away from home in September because there was no suitable stadium available. They later beat Comoros 1-0 in a friendly in Marseille.

“The expectations of the Senegalese public around the national team do not scare me,” Vieira said at his pre-match news conference.

The former France international acknowledged that his team’s style is still developing, but said Senegal “must control the game and possession”. He also identified the need to improve their finishing, adding: “Our area for improvement is also converting the chances we create.”

Senegal face familiar opponents

Sudan are well known to Senegal, with the sides having met twice during 2026 World Cup qualifying. They drew 0-0 in Khartoum before Senegal won 2-0 in Dakar in September 2025.

The teams also faced each other in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 last 16 earlier this year, when Senegal secured a 3-1 victory. Across their past six meetings, Senegal have recorded five wins and one draw.

Vieira, the 1998 World Cup winner, will be without several players. Pape Gueye is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, while Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye were not selected. Krepin Diatta, Mamadou Sarr and Ismaila Sarr are also unavailable.

Pape Gueye’s absence could lead Vieira to move away from his usual three-man midfield and adopt a 4-4-2 formation. Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to start in midfield.

Boulaye Dia, who has scored six goals in all competitions for Rennes this season, could return to the Senegal starting line-up alongside Nicolas Jackson, who is enjoying a revival with Aston Villa. Iliman Ndiaye and Ibrahim Mbaye are expected to provide attacking support.