Diouf urges Senegal to remain vigilant against Sudan and DR Congo

Senegal left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf warned that the Lions of Teranga should stay focused when facing both Sudan and DR Congo in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The two crucial encounters will take place with the three nations leading the group.

Diouf, 20, joined West Ham United before the 2025/26 season and has impressed at the Hammers so far with two assists in three Premier League games under his belt.

According to Wiw Sport, the defender stated that the decisive encounters against Sudan and DR Congo should be treated equally.

“We will take these matches like all the others in these qualifiers. I think that is the trap. Everyone is focusing on one team, the DRC, because many consider them the shock of this September window. But we must not forget that Sudan have the same number of points as Senegal. In my opinion, there is no difference. We have to win these two games.”

DR Congo are leading the group with 13 points, while Senegal and Sudan are tied at 12 as they sit second and third. Diouf agreed that Pape Thiaw’s charges are under pressure to deliver after an overwhelming World Cup qualifier campaign.

“These are two matches with different contexts. It is true that the fans are under pressure. We feel it, but we can only focus on the objectives and satisfy the Senegalese public.”

Senegal have qualified for the World Cup three times in their history, the latest being in 2022 when Qatar hosted the tournament.

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