The Lions of Teranga produced a dominant second-half performance to secure all three points, with goals from Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye and substitute Pathe Mboup complementing Nicolas Jackson’s first-half opener.
Jackson continued his impressive scoring form in the qualifiers, finding the back of the net to give Senegal a deserved 1-0 lead.
However, Sudan refused to surrender and delivered a timely response just before the interval. In the 45th minute, Walieldin Khidir set-up Mohamed Abuaagla, who calmly finished to restore parity and send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
The hosts regained the lead in the 61st minute when El Hadji Malick Diouf provided the assist for Boulaye Dia, who finished clinically to make it 2-1.
Three minutes later, Senegal struck again. Ndiaye turned provider, setting up Ibrahim Mbaye for the third goal in the 64th minute as the hosts opened up a commanding two-goal advantage.
Senegal completed their impressive performance in the 86th minute when Pape Matar Sarr picked out substitute Mboup, who calmly converted to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Mixed feeling for Vieira
“I think we were very good in the second half. We lacked a bit of rhythm in the first half, especially in our ball movement. In the second half, we increased our pace, which allowed us to create opportunities and score those goals,” said Vieira as quoted by Wiw Sports.
"The players who came on in the second half brought quality and energy. That’s how you build a great team. That’s also Senegal’s strength, with the quality of their squad.
“After scoring, we fell into a rhythm where we became a bit complacent, and the opposition took advantage. There’s still progress to be made in managing the result.”
On the overall performance, Vieira said: “Regarding the game plan we wanted to implement today, I’m very pleased. There are still areas for improvement, but we’re on the right path.”
Massire Sylla, who was playing his first game for Senegal, said: “I’m very happy because it was a dream to come to the national team.
“Now that I’ve succeeded in this first step, we’ll continue to work and learn from the greats for the future. It means a lot to me.
“The atmosphere in the den is great. You can’t even tell the veterans from the younger players. They’re very kind to us, and I’m really happy.
“I'm happy to have been able to be there for the fans. It was really fantastic. I didn’t imagine such enthusiasm for my first call-up. It was magnificent.”
Aiming to finish first
Goalkeeper Yehawann Diouf, who came in for regular Mory Diaw, said: “We’re obviously happy. Senegal’s objective is to finish first in the group and qualify for the AFCON.
“After that, the performance is important, but the result is paramount. We were sometimes too stretched out or too far apart. We needed a bit more movement, a bit more intensity and pace to achieve what we wanted.”
On conceding against Sudan, Diouf said: “As a goalkeeper and defender, you don’t like conceding goals. But if we wanted to keep clean sheets in every match, we would.
“These things happen. Conceding goals is part of football. Now, we’re going to analyse why we conceded them and move forward.”
Another player who made his debut was Paul Mendy. He said after the game: “It’s very emotional. I’m very happy with the team’s performance and this victory. I’m also happy to have played my first minutes. I tried to do what the coach expected of me.”
Senegal have claimed two victories in the qualifiers having beaten Ethiopia 1-0 after their 1-1 opening draw against Mozambique.
