World Cup (Q): Senegal edge closer to qualification with win at South Sudan

Senegal are close to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Friday’s resounding 5-0 win at South Sudan in Juba. A resilient first-half performance by the Bright Stars ended with another heavy defeat at home in the World Cup African Qualifiers.

🚨 Ismaïla Sarr

World Cup Qualification | 🏆 South Sudan 0-1 Senegalpic.twitter.com/d6cX9MoOyV

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) October 10, 2025

The match kicked off with the home side putting on a spirited performance in the first half. Tito Okello almost gave South Sudan the lead with a strike from inside the box. The Lions of Teranga dominated possession and went ahead in the 29th minute after Iliman Ndiaye crossed for Ismaila Sarr to tuck in from close range to make it 1-0.

Sadio Mané made it two minutes after the resumption. The visitors proceeded to run riot, with Sarr completing his brace in the 54th minute. Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Jackson scored from the spot before second-half substitute Cherif Ndiaye made it five after a dreadful mistake from the South Sudan defense.

Senegal are now very close to reaching the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and their fourth in total, as they top Group B with 21 points. They will host Mauritania at home in the last qualifying round on Tuesday where a victory will confirm their ticket to the finals. South Sudan occupy bottom spot with four points.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group B Table

1. Senegal- 21 points (GD: +15)
2. DR Congo- 19 points (GD: +8)
3. Sudan- 13 points
4. Togo- 7 points
5. Mauritania- 7 points
6. South Sudan- 4 points

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