Senegal held by Sudan in World Cup qualifying

Sudan's impressive run in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup continued as a nation affected by civil war held Senegal to a 0-0 draw on neutral turf.

Sadio Mane came closest to a winner for the visitors late on in Benina, Libya, but saw an attempted chip saved by Sudan keeper Mohamed Mostafa before his follow-up effort was blocked by a defender on the line.

Mostafa then pulled off a stunning low stop to keep out a header from Cherif Ndiaye.

Sudan could have taken all three points themselves as Walieldin Khedr sent a shot flashing past the post earlier in the second half.

The Falcons of Jediane sit a point clear of DR Congo at the top of Group B halfway through the African campaign, with Senegal a point further behind.

Only the group winners are assured of a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup finals next year.

The four best-placed sides from across the nine groups will enter play-offs for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will provide the final qualifiers.

Elsewhere in Group B, Togo and Mauritania drew 2-2 in an entertaining contest in Lome.

Those four sides are all back in action on Tuesday when Sudan host South Sudan, Senegal welcome Togo and DR Congo travel to Mauritania.

The final four group fixtures will be split across September and October.