November 18, (THEWILL) – The Senegalese national team nicknamed the Teranga Lions, easily defeated South Sudan in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying on Saturday. Playing at the Olympic Stadium in Diamniadio, Senegal dominated from start to finish, winning by a score of 4-0.
The hosts wasted no time, scoring just a minute into the match courtesy of Pape Sarr. Star forward Sadio Mane added to the lead in the 6th minute after a clever assist from Habib Diallo. Senegal continued applying intense pressure, and Lamine Camara made it 3-0 just before half-time, thanks to a set-up from Idrissa Gueye.
Mane converted a penalty kick early in the second half to complete the scoring at 4-0. Senegal had additional chances but stellar goalkeeping from Majak Mawith for South Sudan and some poor finishing prevented the scoreline from being even more lopsided.
Senegal coach Aliou Cisse substituted Mane and other key players later in the match to rest them for their next qualifier. The Teranga Lions ruled the pitch from start to finish, dominating possession and outshooting their opponents by a wide margin in the comfortable victory.
The two teams return to World Cup qualifying action on Tuesday, November 21, with South Sudan hosting Mauritania and Senegal travelling to face Togo. After the opening match, Senegal sits atop Group B in the African qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
