World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Sadio Mane marks 100th cap for Senegal with a double

African champions Senegal began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-0 victory at home to South Sudan on Saturday as South Africa and Tanzania also opened with wins.

The Teranga Lions set off at a blistering pace in their Group B fixture with Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scoring after 40 seconds.

Sadio Mane scored Senegal's second just four minutes later on a night when he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Debutant Lamine Camara added a third for the hosts. The 19-year-old scored on the stroke of half-time and after the break, the former Liverpool forward scored again - this time from the penalty spot.

With Senegal set to play Togo in Lome on Tuesday in their second qualifier, coach Aliou Cisse made a raft of changes just after the hour mark with Mane and Sarr amongst those substituted.

On a tough night for South Sudan's Bright Stars, Senegal had a late goal from Habib Diallo ruled out for offside.

Senegal are top of the Group B standings, ahead of DR Congo on goal difference after the opening round of matches.

Elsewhere, Tanzania enjoyed a 1-0 victory in an away fixture against Niger in neutral Marrakesh at the start of their Group E campaign.

Australia-based striker Charles M'Mombwa scored for the Taifa Stars in the second half, on his debut for his country.