AFCON 2027 qualifying: Senegal make triumphant return to Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor against Sudan

The Lions run riot at home

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AFCON 2027 qualifying: Senegal make triumphant return to Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor against Sudan

12.11.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

Sudan

On Thursday evening, Senegal made a strong impression against Sudan (4-1) in the third round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as they returned to Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor after more than seven years away.

The match was marked by the debuts of four new players for the senior national team and a tribute to Édouard Mendy. The Al-Ahli goalkeeper, who has retired from international football, was honoured by the Senegalese Football Federation.

The first half was lively. After a few chances at both ends, Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the 31st minute. The Aston Villa player followed up on a shot from Ibrahim Mbaye that was saved by Sudanese goalkeeper Moustapha Mohamed to put the Lions ahead. Just before half-time, Sudan captain Mohamed Abuagla restored parity, getting the better of Kalidou Koulibaly.

Senegal unstoppable

Back from the break, Nicolas Jackson tried to find his club teammate Ibrahim Mbaye in the 52nd minute, but his pass failed to reach its target. The Lions regained the lead in the 61st minute. Meeting a fine cross from El Hadji Malick Diouf, Boulaye Dia arrived on the scene and scored with a header (2-1).

🔚 Grâce à des buts de Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye et Pathé Mboup, le Sénégal s’impose 4-1 face au Soudan, dans le cadre de la 3e journée des éliminatoires de la CAN 2027. Une belle victoire des Lions qui signent leur retour au stade Léopold Sédar Senghor de la plus belle des manières. #CAN2027Q
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) November 12, 2026

Three minutes later, Ibrahim Mbaye extended the lead. After winning the ball in midfield, Iliman Ndiaye set up the young Aston Villa forward, who made no mistake in finding the net. Senegal were now 3-1 up. With two goals in quick succession, the Lions pulled away. They scored more than twice in a match for the first time under Viera.

Paul Mendy and Pathé Mboup came on in the 86th minute. Just seconds after his introduction, Pathé Mboup took advantage of a pass from Pape Matar Sarr to score Senegal’s fourth and seal the win. With this victory, Senegal move top of Group J with 7 points. The teams will meet again on November 16 at 13:00 in Juba for the fourth round of the qualifiers.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.