B. OdhiamboMane brace helps Senegal overpower South Sudan in World Cup qualifying
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 19.11.23. | 10:21
The African qualifiers will continue on Sunday 19 November with five matches across the continent
CECAFA region ambassadors South Sudan started their hunt for a FIFA World Cup 2026 slot on a losing foot as African champions Senegal handed them a 4-0 humbling on Saturday in a match staged at Abdalla Wad Stadium.
Kenyan-based Jackson Dwang, Rashid Toha, and Tito Okello were handed a starting berth though did little to save their side against the African giants.
Saudi Arabia-based star Sadio Mane bagged a brace, with Pape Sarr and Lamine Camara also on target in the one-sided triumph.
Senegal wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead inside 60 seconds through Sarr's composed finish.
Mane then doubled the advantage in six minutes, emphatically firing home after Habib Diallo's clever set-up play.
On 29 minutes, South Sudan were fortunate goalkeeper Majak Mawith only received a yellow for upending Mane who was clean through the goal.
The Lions of Teranga soon had a deserved third goal as Idrissa Gueye teed up Camara to smash home on the stroke of halftime before Mane rounded up the scores in the 57th minute converting from a spot-kick to put the result beyond any doubt at 4-0.
Senegal faces another qualifier against Togo on Tuesday, while South Sudan ‘host' Mauritania in neutral Diamniadio.
With only nine direct World Cup spots available to Africa, Senegal and company know strong home form is key. Their quest continues on Sunday.
The African qualifiers will continue on Sunday 19 November with five matches across the continent, headlined by heavyweights Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt tackling Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone respectively.
