Tangier, January 3, 2026 – The round of 16 matches for the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament kick off this Saturday evening in the Kingdom of Morocco. This stage of the competition opens with a strong encounter between the national teams of Senegal and Sudan.
The match will be held at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in the city of Tangier, starting at 6:00 PM Libya time.
The Senegalese national team enters the match as one of the top contenders for the title, boasting a constellation of stars who are professionals in major European and world leagues, led by star player Sadio Mané.
The “Lions of Teranga” will seek to impose their dominance from the first minutes and avoid any surprises typical of knockout stages, relying on their defensive strength and the attacking speed that characterizes their play.
On the other hand, the Sudanese national team approaches the encounter with high morale, having successfully advanced from the group stage and secured its place among the continent’s elite as one of the best third-placed teams. They aspire to continue their journey and deliver another surprise in the tournament.
Tangier
Tangier is a historic port city in northern Morocco, strategically located at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich and layered history, having been influenced by Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Portuguese, Spanish, and French cultures, and served as an international zone in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its vibrant mix of European and Moroccan architecture, its bustling medina, and its role as a major cultural and economic gateway.
Kingdom of Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco is a North African nation with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, successive Arab dynasties, and historical influences from the Romans, Portuguese, and French. It gained independence from France in 1956 and is known for its imperial cities, such as Marrakech and Fez, which contain well-preserved medieval quarters. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a unique blend of Arab, African, and European cultural elements.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by historic empires like the Ghana and Jolof, and as a focal point of the transatlantic slave trade at sites such as Gorée Island. Its culture is celebrated for traditions like wrestling, vibrant music, and the influential Sufi brotherhoods that play a central role in society. The country gained independence from France in 1960 and is recognized for its stable democracy and role as a diplomatic hub in the region.
Sudan
Sudan, located in Northeast Africa, is home to ancient civilizations like the Kingdom of Kush, which ruled from the city of Meroë and even conquered Egypt as the 25th Dynasty. Its modern history was marked by a long civil war, leading to the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and it features significant cultural sites such as the archaeological remains of the Napatan and Meroitic pyramids.
Ibn Batouta Stadium
Ibn Batouta Stadium is a major football stadium located in Tangier, Morocco, named after the famous 14th-century Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta. It was inaugurated in 2011 and serves as the home ground for the IR Tanger football club, featuring a distinctive design inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote unity and sporting excellence on the continent, with Egypt winning the inaugural tournament.
Sadio Mané
Sadio Mané is a world-renowned Senegalese professional footballer, not a physical place or cultural site. He is celebrated for his exceptional skill on the field and his profound cultural impact off it, notably through his extensive philanthropy in his home village of Bambali and across Senegal.
Lions of Teranga
The “Lions of Teranga” is the popular nickname for the Senegal national football team, inspired by the country’s national animal, the lion, and the Wolof concept of “Teranga” meaning hospitality. The team has a significant history in African football, famously winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2022 and consistently producing world-class talent that competes at the highest international levels.
