Senegal confirmed their status as group winners with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Sudan in their final CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage match on January 4, 2026. The Lions of Teranga produced a dominant performance to finish the group phase with seven points from a possible nine. Senegal took control early, scoring twice in the first half through incisive attacking play. Sudan pulled a goal back early in the second half to briefly threaten a comeback, but Senegal extinguished any hope by scoring a third goal minutes later to restore their two-goal cushion. The result meant Senegal topped the group and advanced to the Round of 16 as one of the tournament's form teams, while Sudan's campaign came to an end. Senegal's manager stated the objective was to win the group, and his team delivered a professional performance. The Sudan coach congratulated Senegal and wished them luck in the knockout stages.