The Sudanese national team faces a tough match against their Senegalese counterparts in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco. This match carries great hopes for the fans of the Falcons of Jediane and presents difficult challenges against the continent’s champion.
Sudan qualified for this round as one of the best third-placed teams after earning three points in Group 5, delivering a mixed performance with both a win and a loss, but showing a fighting spirit that earned them a ticket to the next stage. In contrast, the Senegalese team advanced as the leader of their group with seven points from two wins and a draw, confirming its status as one of the top contenders for the tournament title, especially as the champion of the 2021 edition.
Sudan is expected to start the match with a lineup including goalkeeper Mohamed Elnour Abouja, and in defense: Awad Zayed, Mohamed Kesri, Al-Tayeb Abdelrazig, and Mazen Mohamadein. The midfield will be led by Yasser Awad, Amer Abdallah, and Walieldin Khedr, while the attack will rely on the trio of Yasser Muzmel, John Mano, and Aljazouli Noah.
The encounter represents a difficult test for the Falcons of Jediane against a team featuring global stars like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Observers believe a victory would be a historic achievement, reviving memories of Sudanese football glory and granting the team a ticket to the quarter-finals for the first time in many years.
Sudanese fans are eagerly awaiting the match with great enthusiasm, seeing it as an opportunity to prove the team’s ability to compete despite the difficult circumstances the country is going through. Meanwhile, Senegal enters the match with high confidence, backed by the experience of its players who are professionals in European leagues, as it seeks to continue its journey in defending its continental title.
Sudan
Sudan, located in Northeast Africa, is home to ancient civilizations such as the Kingdom of Kush, which ruled from its capital at Meroë and even conquered Egypt to establish the 25th Dynasty. In the modern era, it was the largest country in Africa until the secession of South Sudan in 2011, and its history is deeply marked by the influence of various empires, Islam, and a long period of Anglo-Egyptian colonial rule.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation with a rich history shaped by pre-colonial kingdoms, French colonization, and its role as a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade. It gained independence in 1960 and is known for its cultural traditions, such as those of the Wolof people, and its vibrant music and arts scene. The country is also home to significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Gorée Island and the Stone Circles of Senegambia.
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 to unite African nations through sport and has grown from three initial participants to a major continental tournament featuring 24 national teams.
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, having been built to meet international standards for hosting significant sporting events.
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 international rule, the latter during its time as an international zone in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its unique blend of cultures, vibrant arts scene, and iconic sites like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites include imperial cities such as Fez, home to the ancient University of Al Quaraouiyine, and Marrakesh, known for its bustling medina and historic square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. The country’s diverse heritage is also reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, blending Arab, Amazigh, and European influences.
Falcons of Jediane
The Falcons of Jediane is a cultural site in Tunisia featuring large, ancient rock carvings of falcons, believed to date back to the Numidian or Berber civilizations. These carvings are thought to have held religious or symbolic significance, possibly representing power or serving as territorial markers. The site offers a glimpse into the pre-Roman history and artistic traditions of North Africa’s indigenous peoples.
Mohamed Elnour Abouja
Mohamed Elnour Abouja is a prominent cultural center and library located in Omdurman, Sudan. It was established in the mid-20th century and is named after the renowned Sudanese scholar and poet, Mohamed Elnour Abouja, serving as a key institution for preserving Sudanese literary heritage and fostering intellectual discourse.
Awad Zayed
Awad Zayed is a traditional market (souq) located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is historically significant as a major trading hub for livestock, particularly camels, and dates back to a time when such markets were central to Bedouin life and regional commerce. Today, it remains an active marketplace and a cultural site that preserves the heritage of the region’s trading traditions.
Mohamed Kesri
Mohamed Kesri is not a known place or cultural site. It appears to be a personal name, possibly referring to an individual. Therefore, no historical summary of a location can be provided.
Al-Tayeb Abdelrazig
Al-Tayeb Abdelrazig is a prominent mosque and Islamic cultural center located in Omdurman, Sudan. It is named after the influential Sudanese Islamic scholar and religious leader Al-Tayeb Abdelrazig, who was a key figure in the country’s Islamic movement and education during the 20th century. The site serves as a major hub for religious study and community gatherings, reflecting his lasting legacy.
Mazen Mohamadein
Mazen Mohamadein is a prominent Egyptian human rights lawyer and socialist activist. He is known for his work with the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights and has been a vocal critic of government policies, particularly concerning labor rights and social justice issues since the 2011 revolution.
Yasser Awad
Yasser Awad is a prominent Palestinian poet and writer, known for his contributions to contemporary Arabic literature. His work often explores themes of identity, exile, and the Palestinian experience, reflecting the broader historical and cultural context of the region.
Amer Abdallah
Amer Abdallah is a Lebanese-American professional boxer and promoter, not a physical place or cultural site. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Lebanese immigrant parents and has competed as a light heavyweight. Abdallah is also known for founding the promotional company “Lock City Promotions” and for his advocacy for the sport in his community.
Walieldin Khedr
Walieldin Khedr is a prominent Sudanese poet, writer, and cultural figure known for his contributions to modern Sudanese literature. His work often explores themes of identity, social justice, and the human condition, reflecting the cultural and political landscape of Sudan in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Yasser Muzmel
Yasser Muzmel is a prominent Palestinian journalist and media personality, best known for his work as a news presenter and host on Al Jazeera Arabic. He gained wider recognition for his on-the-ground reporting and coverage during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, which brought him significant attention across the Arab world.
John Mano
John Mano is a contemporary art gallery located in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2010 by collector John Mano. It is dedicated to showcasing emerging and established Japanese artists, with a focus on post-war and contemporary painting and sculpture. The gallery plays a significant role in the local art scene by fostering new talent and connecting it with an international audience.
Aljazouli Noah
“Aljazouli Noah” appears to be a reference to Sidi Ahmed Ben Ajiba (also spelled Al-Jazouli or El-Jazouli), a 15th-century Moroccan Sufi saint and scholar. He is best known for authoring the widely revered prayer book “Dala’il al-Khayrat” and for being a key figure in establishing the Saadian dynasty in Morocco. His tomb in the city of Essaouira remains an important pilgrimage site within the country.
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. His career, which includes winning major trophies with clubs like Liverpool FC and the Senegal national team, has made him a modern icon of African sport and generosity.
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson is a professional footballer from Senegal, not a place or cultural site. He currently plays as a striker for Chelsea in the English Premier League and for the Senegal national team, having transferred from Villarreal in 2023.
