Senegal marked their return to Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium after seven years away with a convincing 4-1 win over Sudan in the third round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Patrick Vieira’s side played in front of a sold-out crowd on Thursday, producing an entertaining performance and renewing their connection with supporters at their traditional home. However, the result also contained a warning, with a defensive misunderstanding allowing Sudan to equalise before half-time.

In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, coach Badara Sarr assessed what he described as a two-sided display from the Lions, identifying the players who impressed and those whose performances raised concerns.

Jackson and Diouf among Senegal’s standout performers

With Sadio Mane absent from the left side of Senegal’s attack, El Hadji Malick Diouf took responsibility and caused Sudan problems with his runs and deliveries from wide areas.

The winger provided the assist for Boulaye Dia’s goal and received a rating of 8.5 out of 10. He shared the highest score with Nicolas Jackson, who opened the scoring for Senegal.

Ibrahim Mbaye was another of the team’s strongest performers. The forward scored Senegal’s third goal in the 64th minute and was rated 8.1, while Boulaye Dia received 7.9.

Sarr’s assessment highlighted the attacking contribution of Jackson, Diouf and Mbaye in a match Senegal ultimately controlled comfortably. Their performances helped the hosts recover from the setback before the interval and establish a clear advantage in the second half.

Defensive lapse leaves Koulibaly and Sane under scrutiny

Although Sudan created little overall, Senegal’s defence was punished by a single error. A lack of understanding between captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadibou Sane allowed Sudan to score and briefly put the hosts under pressure.

Koulibaly was given a rating of 7.1 out of 10, while Sane was also identified among the players whose display fell short of the standards set by Senegal’s attacking players.

The mistake proved costly in the context of the first half. Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw at the break, despite having faced limited danger for much of the opening period. The eventual 4-1 scoreline therefore did not entirely conceal the defensive issue raised by Sarr’s review.

Senegal will face Sudan again in their fourth match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

For that fixture, 1xbet’s listed odds put Senegal at 1.20 to win, with a draw priced at 5.70 and a Sudan victory at 16.00.