Sudan have proven they are a worthy candidate of World Cup qualification and after an excellent start in Group B, the Nile Crocodiles are approaching the business end. With a couple of Africa's most talented sides in clos proximity the Sudanese are in a very tough group that makes a strong claim to be a "group of death". Read more below on how Senegal and DR Congo will look to make things difficult for the surprise group leaders.
Group B Table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Sudan | 10 |
Senegal | 8 |
DR Congo | 7 |
Togo | 3 |
South Sudan | 2 |
Mauritania | 1 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
March fixtures
March 21- DR Congo vs South Sudan (Kinshasa, DR Congo)
March 22- Togo vs Mauritania (Lomé, Togo)
March 22- Sudan vs Senegal (Benghazi, Libya)
March 25
Sudan vs South Sudan (Benghazi, Libya)
Senegal vs Togo (Diamniadio, Senegal)
Mauritania vs DR Congo (Nouakchott, Mauritania)
Evaluation
One of the "groups of death", Group B has no minnows or easy victories. An inspired Sudan are in a strong position but will have to hold off furious challenges from group favorites Senegal and DR Congo. The Congolese have an excellent opportunity to put pressure on the teams above them when they host South Sudan in the first match of the group on March 21.
However there remains plenty of drama to be had for the remainder of the campaign. Togo and Mauritania are capable sides and will be playing with urgency to keep their hopes alive while South Sudan would love nothing more than to spoil rival Sudan's chances in their second match of the international window. Prepare for plenty of twists and turns in this group!
Key Players
Mohamed Abdelrahman- Sudan (Club: Al Hilal Omdurman)
The icon of Sudanese football is in strong form after qualifying club Al Hilal Omdurman for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. With both of their matches in March taking place at their adopted home in Libya, any slip or stumble from the Sudanese in March could leave them chasing DR Congo and Senegal.
This is the time to take advantage and Abdelrahman must be a source of goals in March. With Sudan set to have three of their final four matches away from home, their current position is strong but could become very shaky by the end of the FIFA window.
Édouard Mendy- Senegal (Club: Al Ahli Saudi)
A strong defense is the essential foundation in football and the Senegalese goalkeeper is the last line in a dominant unit. The margins are incredibly thin in this group, reflected in the fact that Senegal have only conceded one goal (1-1 draw at home against DR Congo) but are not currently the group leaders.
In the crucial first match in Libya against a well organized Sudanese team, a set piece or mistake could define the result. Mendy will likely need to make one or two saves and that could make all the difference for Senegal's qualification hopes.
Chancel Mbemba- DR Congo (Club: Olympique de Marseille)
The marshal, the leader, the captain. When the central defender takes the pitch for the Leopards he performs at his best as seen in his inspired performances as DR Congo finished fourth place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Congolese have two matches where they will be the favorites, a situation that has proven tricky in past editions of this team.
However, something feels different about this group under the leadership of Mbemba and head coach Sébastien Desabre. Heavy favorites to win at home against South Sudan, the second match at Mauritania will be the true test for Mbemba and his defense who must not give any ground to a host who will be desperate for victory.
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