Sudan continued its strong run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by holding African champions Senegal to a 0-0 draw in Benghazi, Libya.
The result keeps Sudan at the top of Group B after five matches, defying expectations as they remain unbeaten in the campaign.
Despite being forced to play their home matches in Libya due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, the team has shown remarkable resilience under the guidance of Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah.
Their impressive form has positioned them as serious contenders for a historic World Cup qualification.
Unexpected leaders in Group B
With three victories and two draws, Sudan leads a competitive group that includes football powerhouses such as Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Their journey so far has included notable victories, including an away win against Mauritania and a hard-fought triumph in a fiercely contested derby against South Sudan.
The biggest statement of their campaign came with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, followed by the crucial draw against Senegal.
The latter result frustrated the reigning African champions, who were expected to dominate the group but have now dropped valuable points in their bid for direct qualification.
A tough road ahead
Although Sudan is currently in a strong position, the qualification race is far from over.
With five matches remaining, including challenging trips to Dakar and Kinshasa, their ability to sustain this momentum will be tested.
Their disciplined defensive performances have been key to their success, but they will need to maintain their consistency to secure a place in the 48-team World Cup.
Focus on the Africa Cup of Nations
Before resuming their World Cup qualification campaign, Sudan will turn their attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Placed in Group E, they are set to face Algeria in their opening match.
Given their impressive performances in World Cup qualifiers, they are expected to be a formidable opponent for the Desert Foxes and other teams in the tournament.
Sudan’s remarkable progress under Appiah has already drawn significant attention, and their ability to challenge top-tier teams suggests they are on the rise.
With a blend of tactical discipline and team spirit, they could prove to be one of Africa’s surprise packages in the coming months.
