Rabat, Morocco - December 24: Sudan's Mohamed Yagub Abdelrahman Yousif running after the ball as Algeria's Aissa Mandi comes in during the Africa Cup Of Nations Group E match between Algeria and Sudan at Moulay Hassan Stadium on December 24, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

AFCON 2025: Senegal are a strong and experienced team - Sudan captain Mohamed Abdelrahman

· GhanaSoccernet

Sudan captain Mohamed Abdelrahman believes Senegal are a strong and experienced team and that facing them will demand focus, courage and unity from his side.

Sudan, champions in 1970, booked a place in the round of 16 after finishing among the best third placed teams in the group stage. The achievement has brought rare smiles to supporters back home, offering a sense of pride and unity during a period marked by hardship and uncertainty.

For Abdelrahman, reaching the knockout phase for the first time since 2012 carries special meaning. It reflects the resilience of the squad and the spirit they hope to represent on the continental stage, regardless of the challenge ahead," he told CAFonline.com

"It will be a very difficult match by all standards. We know our opponent well. Senegal are a strong and experienced team with a rich history in the competition. The key to victory is our determination, perseverance, belief in ourselves and our desire to go far in this tournament."