Sudan defy logic: Falcons of Jediane advance to AFCON knockout phase without scoring a single goal

For the first time since 2012, Sudan advanced to the knockout phase of the African Cup of Nations. Still, the way they did it is historic and completely defies logic.

Namely, the Falcons of Jediane advanced from the group stage, even though they didn't score a single goal! More precisely, they had one goal on their tally, but it was netted by Equatorial Guinea defender Saul Coco. That own goal brought Sudan a vital victory and historic progress to the Round of 16, as this is the first time in AFCON history that such a feat has occurred.

In the opening match, Algeria easily brushed aside James Kwesi Appiah's men (3-0), as did Burkina Faso yesterday (2-0), but the triumph against the National Thunder was enough for the spot among the best third-placed teams.

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The Falcons of Jediane's tally could have been better, but their midfielder Al Gozoli Nooh wasted a penalty kick in the first half of the duel against the Stallions, missing the entire target from the spot.

Sudan's task in the knockout phase will be extremely hard, as they will face the mighty Senegal (Saturday, 19.00) and try to end this goal drought against the rival whose defence has collapsed only once in the group stage.

AFCON 2025 - ROUND OF 16

Saturday

19.00: (1.17) Senegal (7.25) Sudan (17.0)

22.00: (3.10) Mali (2.80) Tunisia (2.70)

Sunday

19.00: (1.15) Morocco (8.50) Tanzania (25.0)

22.00: (3.25) South Africa (3.15) Cameroon (2.50)

Monday

19.00: (1.48) Egypt (4.10) Benin (7.50)

22.00: (1.40) Nigeria (4.50) Mozambique (8.50)

Tuesday

19.00: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) DR Congo (4.00)

22.00: (1.90) Ivory Coast (3.40) Burkina Faso (4.30)

***odds are subject to change***