Soudan v Senegal: Vieira’s side target another win in Group J

Senegal will look to strengthen their position at the top of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group J when they face Sudan at the Stade National de Juba on Monday, 16 November at 14:00.

The Lions of Teranga lead the section with seven points from three matches after their emphatic 4-1 victory over Sudan in Dakar last Thursday. Sudan are third on three points, having won once and lost twice.

Senegal have made an unbeaten start under Patrick Vieira, who took over from Pape Thiaw following the Lions’ elimination by Belgium in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

They began this qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw in Mozambique, Nicolas Jackson scoring their goal, before Ibrahim Mbaye secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Ethiopia. Vieira’s first home match in charge then produced a convincing result against Sudan.

Jackson opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Mohamed Abuaagla levelled shortly before half-time. Senegal responded with three goals in 25 minutes after the break to complete a 4-1 win.

The result extended Senegal’s unbeaten record against Sudan to nine matches in all competitions. They will also take confidence from their recent form and are seeking a third consecutive victory in the group.

Sudan started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ethiopia in Juba, Mohamed Eisa scoring a late penalty in the 86th minute. However, the Falcons of Jediane then lost 4-1 in Mozambique, where Yasin Hamed scored their only goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, before suffering the same defeat in Dakar.

Abuaagla’s strike was Sudan’s first goal from open play in the campaign. They have conceded eight goals in their past two matches, a defensive record that will concern manager James Kwesi Appiah. Their only two victories in their last nine games have both come with clean sheets.

Sudan will again play at a neutral venue in Juba, South Sudan, and could also be affected by the long journey home after Thursday’s match.

Appiah has selected a 24-man squad built largely around domestic heavyweights Al Hilal and Al Merrikh. Mohamed Eisa, Yasir Mozamil and Abubakr Eisa are among the main attacking options, while Ahmed Tabanja, Mustafa Karshom and goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa will be tasked with limiting Senegal’s threat.

Vieira is without several established players. Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye were not selected, while Ismail Jakobs retired from international football in October. Krepin Diatta is injured and has been replaced by Sevilla defender Arouna Sangante. Mamadou Sarr, Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr and Abdallah Sima are also unavailable.

Senegal can nevertheless call on Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye, alongside Boulaye Dia, Iliman Ndiaye and new international Pathe Mboup, who scored on his debut last Thursday. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly leads the defence, while Dion Lopy returns after missing the previous international gathering.

Senegal are expected to win, with the match forecast to produce more than 2.5 goals and both teams to score. A tighter contest than last week’s meeting is anticipated, with a 2-1 victory for the Lions of Teranga the predicted outcome.