The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage kicks off on Saturday with a David-vs-Goliath clash as former champions Senegal face surprise package Sudan in the Round of 16 at the Grand Stade De Tanger (kick-off: 5 pm local time / 16:00 GMT).
Senegal, the 2021 AFCON winners and pre-tournament favorites, topped Group D with seven points from two wins and a draw. The Teranga Lions showcased their attacking prowess with comfortable 3-0 victories over Botswana and Benin, sandwiching a hard-fought draw against DR Congo. Stars like Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Gana Gueye, and Iliman Ndiaye have been in fine form, contributing to Senegal’s joint-second-highest goal tally in the group stage (seven goals).
However, coach Pape Thiaw will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended after a red card in the final group match against Benin. Abdoulaye Seck is expected to partner Moussa Niakhate in central defense, while Jackson and Mané should lead the attack.
Sudan, ranked 117th in the world and playing amid ongoing civil conflict back home, has been the feel-good story of the tournament. The Falcons of Jediane progressed as one of the best third-placed teams in Group E, with three points, courtesy of a gritty 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea (via an own goal). Losses to Algeria (3-0) and Burkina Faso (2-0) highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities—they conceded the most goals among advancing teams—but their organization and resilience under coach Kwesi Appiah have earned widespread admiration.
This will be Sudan’s first knockout appearance since 2012 and only their second AFCON win since 1970. Standouts like midfielders Walieldin Khidir and Ammar Taifour will need to be at their best to contain Senegal’s firepower.
Head-to-head: Senegal are unbeaten against Sudan in seven meetings (five wins, two draws), including recent World Cup qualifiers. The teams have never met at an AFCON finals.
Senegal enters as the overwhelming favorites, with their superior squad depth and experience in high-stakes matches. They boast 17 clean sheets at AFCON since 2017—more than any other nation—and will look to exploit Sudan’s low shot output (fewest on target among qualifiers).
Yet, knockout football is unforgiving. Senegal were shockingly eliminated at this stage in 2023 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire (on penalties), and Thiaw has urged caution: “We will approach this with seriousness and respect—Sudan are well-organized and difficult to break down.”
For Sudan, a quarter-final berth would be historic, offering hope to a nation in turmoil. Appiah’s side will likely park the bus and hunt for counters, but breaching Senegal’s defense—led by Edouard Mendy in goal—will be a tall order.
Prediction: Senegal’s quality should shine through in a controlled victory. Expect the Teranga Lions to advance comfortably, perhaps 3-0, setting up a potential quarter-final against Mali or Tunisia.
The winner stays in Tangier for the last eight days on January 9. Africa’s premier tournament is heating up—don’t miss the action!
