Senegal has arrived in Juba at full strength, just four days ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Sudan.
The final wave of players, including stars Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, completed the squad, bringing an end to the team’s regrouping that began over the weekend. With the team now united, Senegal is focused on consolidating its lead in Group B.
The Senegalese delegation, including around ten players and key technical staff members led by coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, have been preparing in the South Sudanese capital for Friday’s match against the Bright Stars.
According to the Senegalese Football Federation, the arrival of Mané and Jackson on Monday completed the squad, allowing the technical team to finalise their training and tactical preparations. Closed-door sessions are underway to refine routines and assess the fitness of key players ahead of the match.
Senegal will face a back-to-back challenge, traveling home to host Mauritania in Dakar four days after the Juba encounter. Sports authorities have emphasised the importance of this double fixture, which will be decisive for qualification. Observers from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are scheduled to monitor pitch conditions and security arrangements before kickoff.
Currently leading Group B with 18 points and a +10 goal difference, Senegal holds a narrow advantage over their main rivals, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, who have 16 (+7) and 12 (+3) points respectively.
Togo, Mauritania, and South Sudan occupy the lower positions, leaving little margin for error. Coach Thiaw has stressed the importance of focus and cohesion, warning against complacency against a motivated South Sudanese side backed by the home crowd.
The upcoming fixture is pivotal not only for Senegal’s group position but also for the nation’s aspiration of securing a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. With experience and talent on their side, the Lions are determined to navigate the challenges of Juba and maintain momentum heading into the final stages of the qualifying campaign.
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