Sport|Africa Cup of NationsSenegal vs Sudan: AFCON 2025 – team news, start time and lineupsWar-ravaged Sudan have remarkably made it to the last 16. Now, they face their toughest test against heavyweights Senegal.

Date & Time : Saturday , January 3, 5 PM (16:00 GMT)

Coverage : Coverage begins on Al Jazeera Sport at 13:00 GMT.

The Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 will feature Senegal against Sudan. Senegal, the previous tournament's champions, are among the favorites, while Sudan is the lowest-ranked team in this stage.

Senegal enters the knockouts with strong performances, propelled by key players Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. They aim to secure their second title following their 2021 victory.

Senegal is currently unbeaten in 14 AFCON matches (W9 D5) and has maintained 17 clean sheets since 2017. The team will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly due to suspension.

Sudan reached the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, achieving a significant milestone by reaching this stage for the first time in 14 years. The team secured their spot with a victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Midfielders Walieldin Khidir and Ammar Toaifour, along with defender Sheddy Barglan, have been notable performers. Sudan has conceded six goals, the highest among teams in this round.

Senegal and Sudan have faced each other seven times, with Senegal winning four matches and drawing three. Their most recent encounter was a 2-0 victory for Senegal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Edouard Mendy; Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs; Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye; Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane; Nicolas Jackson

Monged El Neel; Sheddy Barglan, Mohamed Ereng, Mustafa Karshom, Bakhit Khamis; Walieldin Khidir, Abdelrazig Omer, Ammar Taifour; Aamir Abdallah, Mohammed Abdel-Rahman, Mohamed Eisa

The winner of the match between Senegal and Sudan will face the winner of the Mali and Tunisia match in the quarterfinals on January 9.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.