Sudan’s National Men’s Football Team’s chances of qualifying to the FIFA World Cup for the first time have taken a hit after losing to Senegal.

James Kwesi Appiah’s team lost 2-0 to the Teranga Lions of Senegal in Dakar in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Two goals in the first half from Kalidou Koulibaly in the 14^th minute and Pape Sarr in the 41^st minute put the game beyond reach for the Sudanese.

Sudan, who are dealing with a civil war in the North African country and have been forced to play home games at neutral venues, missed out on closing the gap between themselves and group leaders DR Congo to just a point.

Sudan rank third in the group with 12 points from seven games while Congo have 16 points with Senegal following in second place with 15 points.

Sudan celebrate after scoring goal at CHAN Photo Courtesy: CAF

Senegal and Congo face off on Tuesday, September 9 in a big clash and Sudan could take advantage by beating Mauritania; majority of Sudan’s players recently competed at the CHAN and finished fourth.