Senegal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Sudan in an entertaining Round of 16 clash in Tangiers.
Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, stunned the reigning African heavyweights with a dream start when Aamir Abdallah fired a sensational curling strike past Edouard Mendy just six minutes into the contest. The goal briefly ignited hopes of another upset for the 1970 champions, who had already defied expectations to reach the knockout stage.
Rattled by the early setback, Senegal gradually asserted control, dominating possession and territory. Their pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when former African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane teed up Pape Gueye, who finished calmly to draw level.
Senegal continued to push as Sudan struggled to cope defensively. Although a penalty awarded for a foul on Ismaila Sarr was overturned after a lengthy VAR review, the West Africans maintained their momentum. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Gueye struck again, expertly side-footing a cross into the net to give Senegal a 2-1 lead at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Senegal dictating play while Sudan relied on resilience and goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid to keep the scoreline respectable. Abuzaid produced several saves to deny Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr, whose effort was also ruled offside.
The outcome was sealed in the 77th minute when 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye made an instant impact off the bench. The Paris Saint-Germain forward latched onto a long pass and beat Abuzaid at his near post, scoring just four minutes after his introduction to put the result beyond doubt.
Senegal, who made six changes from their final group match and were without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, underlined their pedigree and depth with a composed recovery after the early scare. The victory also marked their first-ever meeting with Sudan at an AFCON tournament.
The former champions will now face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of continental glory, while Sudan’s impressive and unexpected run comes to an end.
