Sarr double fires Senegal to 5-0 win over South Sudan as Lions edge closer to World Cup qualification

Ismaila Sarr struck twice as Senegal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over South Sudan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Juba Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The result keeps the Lions of Teranga firmly in control of Group B, with 21 points from nine matches. A win against Mauritania in Diamniadio on Tuesday will officially confirm their place at next year’s World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

For South Sudan, however, the heavy defeat summed up a difficult campaign.

The Bright Stars remain rooted to the bottom of the group after suffering their fifth loss and will aim to end on a positive note when they host Togo in Juba on Monday.

Senegal’s breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Ismaila Sarr coolly finished from close range after fine build-up play by Iliman Ndiaye.

Despite dominating the first half, the visitors went into the break with only a narrow 1-0 advantage.

The floodgates opened soon after the restart. Just a minute into the second half, Sadio Mané doubled Senegal’s lead, slotting home his 46th international goal to extend his record as the nation’s all-time top scorer.

Sarr added his second of the afternoon in the 54th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to make it 3-0.

Nicolas Jackson then converted from the penalty spot five minutes later, marking his third international goal and stretching the lead beyond reach.

Substitute Cherif Ndiaye rounded off the rout in the 76th minute with a composed finish after replacing Jackson, capping off a near-perfect performance from coach Pape Thiaw’s men.

The emphatic win underscores Senegal’s dominance in the qualifiers — now boasting 18 goals scored and only three conceded — and leaves them within touching distance of their third consecutive World Cup appearance.