Sudan and Senegal played out a tense goalless draw in Zanzibar at the African Nations Championship, a result that sent both sides into the quarter-finals.
The point was enough for Sudan to top Group D on goal difference, while the defending champions advanced as runners-up.
The game was fiercely contested from the start, with few clear chances in the opening half. Senegal’s Pape Badji twice threatened but failed to hit the target, while Sudan’s Abdel Raouf Yagoub forced a save from Marc Diouf. Sudan thought they had a penalty late in the half, but after a VAR review no foul was awarded, much to Senegal’s relief.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sudan enjoying moments of pressure but lacking a cutting edge. Musa Hussien squandered a close-range opportunity before substitute Mohamed Tia Asad went close. Senegal looked to Libasse Guèye for inspiration, but Sudan’s backline remained organized.
In stoppage time, Senegal were reduced to ten men when Mbaye Yaya Ly was dismissed for a second booking, though Sudan could not make the advantage count.
The result leaves Sudan set to face Algeria in the quarter-finals, while Senegal will take on hosts Uganda in Kampala.
