Benghazi: The Sudanese national team settled for a goalless draw against its guest, Senegal, on Saturday in the fifth round of Group B in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Both teams missed several chances throughout the match. The most notable was a one-on-one opportunity for Sudan’s Abubakar Issa, who shot wide of the post after 20 minutes in the game held at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya.
Sudan squandered another clear chance in the 76th minute when Walieldin Khidir received the ball just meters from the goal but inexplicably shot wide of Edouard Mendy’s left post.
Senegal nearly delivered a decisive blow in the 80th minute when Sadio Mané sent a cross from the right flank that was met with a powerful header by Cherif Ndiaye. However, Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa made a spectacular save, deflecting it to Abdallah Sima, who then shot wide of the post.
With this draw, Sudan remains at the top of the group standings with 11 points at the end of the first round of matches. Senegal is third with 9 points, trailing DR Congo, which has 10 points in second place.
In their next matches on Tuesday, Sudan will face South Sudan, while Senegal will host Togo.
