"Boasting considerable attacking firepower in Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane, Senegal stormed their way into the knockouts, affirming their place among the title favourites as the AFCON 2021 champions seek their second title. The 117th-ranked Sudan, on the other hand, needed a helping hand to qualify and will play in the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years."
"Sudan has been ravaged by war since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced more than 12 million people and triggered famine in several parts of Sudan, a situation the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Sudan's goalkeeper, Mohamed Abooja, had to deal with the anguish of his brother being taken prisoner by the RSF."
"Everyone has just tried to get through this period, but it has been difficult with the tension all over Sudan, Abooja told AFP news agency. In the end, our results on the pitch are what make the people happy and boost their morale. Sudan's team progressed to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams, collecting three"
Senegal, with attackers Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane, advanced into the AFCON round of 16 as clear title favourites. Sudan, ranked 117th, qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams and reached the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years. Sudan has been ravaged by war since April 2023, causing tens of thousands of deaths, over 12 million displacements and famine in parts of the country. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja reported his brother was taken prisoner by the RSF and said the team’s results help boost public morale. The match is scheduled at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on January 3.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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