AFCON 2025: Senegal qualify for quarterfinals with 3-1 win over Sudan
Senegal booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan in their round-of-16 clash in Tangier on Saturday.
After an early setback, the Lions of Teranga asserted their superiority, overturning the deficit through a Pape Gueye brace before teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the result to underline Senegal’s title credentials.
Early shock, swift Senegal response
Sudan stunned the favourites just six minutes into the contest when Aamir Abdallah produced a moment of quality, cutting inside from the right and curling a precise left-footed effort beyond Édouard Mendy.
The goal briefly disrupted Senegal’s pressure, but the response was immediate and controlled.
Sadio Mané began to dictate proceedings in the final third, while Senegal increased the tempo and pinned Sudan deep.
Nicolas Jackson came close to restoring parity midway through the half, only to be denied by an excellent save from goalkeeper El Neel.
Gueye turns the game before the break
The pressure eventually told as Pape Gueye equalised with a powerful strike from outside the box, beating El Neel at his near post.
Senegal thought they had the chance to go ahead moments later when a penalty was awarded, but VAR overturned the decision for offside in the buildup.
Undeterred, Senegal completed the turnaround before halftime. Jackson provided the assist from the left, teeing up Gueye to calmly guide a precise finish into the top corner, sending Senegal into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.
Control and composure seal qualification
Senegal dominated the second half, managing the game efficiently and limiting Sudan to speculative efforts.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 77th minute when 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye announced himself on the AFCON stage with a superb finish into the top corner.
The win ends Sudan’s campaign and sends Senegal into the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the Mali versus Tunisia tie, continuing their push for continental glory.
