Senegal booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan in a pulsating Last 16 clash on Saturday.
The tie began with a shock for the reigning champions as Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah struck in the sixth minute. A swift counterattack sliced through Senegal’s defense, and Abdallah calmly finished to silence the Senegalese supporters.
Senegal responded with determination, and midfielder Pape Gueye took center stage. In the 29th minute, he unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from outside the box, assisted by Sadio Mané, to level the score.
Just before halftime, Gueye struck again.
In stoppage time (45’+3), he curled a precise shot into the top corner, giving Senegal a 2-1 lead. “I knew I had to take responsibility. The team needed a spark, and I was ready,” Gueye said after the match.
Mbaye Seals Victory
Senegal controlled the second half, and in the 77th minute, defender Ibrahim Mbaye added a third. He finished off a fast break after another incisive pass from Mané.
“We wanted to kill the game, and that goal gave us breathing space,” Mbaye explained.
Sudan fought hard to get back into the contest, with Mohamed Eisa and Sheddy Barglan both missing opportunities.
But Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy stood firm, producing key saves to preserve the lead. “It was about concentration. We couldn’t afford to let them back in,” Mendy said.
The final whistle sparked celebrations as Senegal advanced to the quarterfinals. Head coach Aliou Cissé praised his side’s resilience: “We showed character after going behind. This team has the mentality to go all the way.”
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Pape Gueye is the MOTM of the Senegal vs. Sudan game.
With Gueye’s brace and Mané’s creative influence, Senegal underlined their status as one of the tournament favorites.
They now await their next opponent as they continue their quest for continental glory.
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