Senegal beat Sudan 4-1 to move top of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group J

Senegal produced a strong second-half display to defeat Sudan 4-1 at home on Thursday, 12 November 2026, and move into sole possession of first place in Group J of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Lions of Teranga faced a determined Sudan side that had travelled in search of a positive result. The visitors matched Senegal during a competitive opening 45 minutes, with both teams exchanging attacks and neither able to establish control.

The sides went into the interval level at 1-1, a scoreline that reflected the balance of the contest and suggested the second half would remain closely fought.

Senegal, however, returned from the break with greater purpose. Patrick Vieira’s players increased the intensity of their performance, created more pressure and showed greater efficiency when opportunities arrived in the final third.

That improvement was rewarded with three further goals. Senegal gradually took control of the match and opened a decisive gap, leaving Sudan unable to respond as the hosts completed a three-goal victory.

The result gives Senegal seven points after three rounds of qualifying and puts them alone at the top of Group J. It also strengthens their position in the race to reach CAN 2027, although the qualifying campaign still has a considerable distance to run.