Sudan has emerged as the frontrunner in Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after securing a convincing victory in the derby match against South Sudan. The Nile Crocodiles displayed a dominant performance as they cruised to a 3-0 win over their neighbors in a highly anticipated encounter held in Juba.
The match, which unfolded on Tuesday as part of the fourth day of qualifiers, witnessed Sudan’s relentless pursuit of victory, much to the delight of fans and spectators, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The presence of Infantino added significance to the event, as the stadium in Juba had undergone renovations funded by FIFA, underscoring the global impact of football.
The breakthrough for Sudan came in added time just before halftime when Khidir found the back of the net, giving his team the crucial lead going into the break.
The momentum carried into the second half, with Mohamed extending Sudan’s advantage with a well-taken goal in the 51st minute.
As the game progressed, Abdel-Rahman sealed Sudan’s triumph with a decisive goal in the 81st minute, consolidating their commanding position.
With this resounding victory, Sudan has reclaimed the top spot in Group B, surging ahead of Senegal by two points and maintaining a three-point lead over DR Congo.
The result has significantly altered the dynamics of the group, with both Senegal and DR Congo facing unexpected challenges on their path to the 2026 World Cup.
The upcoming fixture between Sudan and Senegal, scheduled for March 2025 as part of the fifth day of qualifiers, promises to be a highly anticipated showdown, with both teams vying for supremacy in the group.
As Sudan celebrates their triumph and looks ahead to future matches, the stage is set for an exciting and fiercely contested journey towards World Cup qualification.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino in South Sudan 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/jnpjc28ZmH
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) June 11, 2024
