In an exciting matchup, South Sudan will take on Senegal in the African World Cup qualifiers. The game is scheduled to take place at the Juba National Stadium on Friday. Currently, South Sudan occupies the bottom position in Group B, while Senegal leads the group.
Match Overview
South Sudan’s qualifying campaign has faltered significantly. With only four points accumulated from eight matches, they have drawn four times and lost four, setting the stage for a disappointing outcome. So far, they have scored a mere three goals, which is the lowest in the group, and conceded 14 times, highlighting their struggles defensively.
Failing to secure a victory, South Sudan will play for pride in their remaining matches. In their earlier encounter, Senegal defeated them 4-0, and another challenging match is anticipated.
Senegal’s Strong Position
In stark contrast, Senegal has enjoyed a successful qualifying run. They sit atop the group with 18 points from eight matches, remaining unbeaten. Their record includes five wins and three draws, showcasing a well-rounded team with 13 goals scored and only three conceded. Their defensive strength has been particularly effective under new coach Pape Thiaw, who took over in late 2024.
Senegal’s ambitions for the 2026 World Cup appear strong. They have previously made notable appearances, including reaching the quarter-finals in 2002 and advancing to the round of 16 in Qatar 2022.
Team News
For South Sudan, the squad includes key players like Keer Mangar Majak and David Omot Sebit, the only two scorers in this campaign. Others such as Peter Chan Deng Yak, Joseph Malish, and Chol Peter Bentiu Daniel are also expected to play a role. They will likely align in a formation to try to maximize their offensive potential.
Senegal brings a wealth of talent, including West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, who has been making waves in the Premier League. The squad also features notable names like Nicolas Jackson, Idrissa Gueye, and Sadio Mane. The group’s top scorer, Pape Matar Sarr, will be crucial in their attacking strategy.
Projected Lineups
Here is a look at the likely starting lineups for both teams:
| South Sudan | Senegal |
|---|---|
| Mawith | Mendy |
| Taban | Diouf |
| Toha | Koulibaly |
| Puk Kun | Seck |
| Okocha | Diatta |
| Malish | P. Gueye |
| Chan Deng Yak | I. Gueye |
| Mangar Majak | Camara |
| Peter Bentiu | Ndiaye |
| Yuel | Jackson |
| Okello | Mane |
Match Prediction
Given the current form of both teams, a win for Senegal seems likely. South Sudan’s ongoing struggles could lead to another challenging match. The expected scoreline is 3-0 in favor of Senegal, who continue their push for World Cup qualification.
