Senegal open the AFCON knockout phase as heavy favourites against Sudan, with history, form and squad depth pointing firmly toward the Lions of Teranga.
The AFCON 2025 knockout stage gets underway in Tangier as tournament favourites Senegal meet surprise qualifiers Sudan in a high-stakes last-16 clash.
Senegal arrive with momentum after topping Group D unbeaten, reinforcing their status as one of the most consistent sides on the continent.
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With qualification for the quarter-finals on the line, the Lions of Teranga are chasing a fourth last-eight appearance in five tournaments.
Sudan’s presence in the knockouts has already defied expectations. They scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams despite limited recent success at AFCON, but their disciplined approach has kept them competitive.
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History, however, is firmly against them, with Senegal unbeaten in seven previous meetings.
Team news favours the West Africans despite Kalidou Koulibaly’s suspension, while Sudan arrive weakened by injuries. On form, depth and experience, Senegal enter as clear favourites to extend their AFCON run.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
