AFCON 2025: Senegal send strong quarterfinal message with statement win over Sudan

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AFCON 2025: Senegal send strong quarterfinal message with statement win over Sudan

Senegal showcased their championship pedigree on Saturday evening, overturning an early setback to defeat Sudan 3-1 in Tangier and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

A stunning sixth-minute strike from Aamir Abdallah briefly raised Sudanese hopes of an upset, but Pape Gueye’s decisive brace and a late goal from substitute Ibrahima Mbaye ensured the Lions of Teranga marched on.

Mané Makes History

While Gueye stole the headlines with his goals, captain Sadio Mané etched his name into the record books. The Senegal talisman provided two assists, for Gueye’s second and Mbaye’s clincher, taking his AFCON career tally to nine, surpassing Côte d’Ivoire legend Yaya Touré as the tournament’s all-time assist leader.

Sudan’s Bright Start

Kwesi Appiah’s men stunned the defending champions early on. Abdallah finished off a rapid counter-attack with a sublime curling effort from his left foot, leaving Edouard Mendy rooted as Sudan grabbed a shock lead.

Senegal’s Response

Senegal remained composed and gradually asserted control. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Mané dispossessed Mohamed Abuaagla and released Gueye, who drilled a low finish past the keeper to level matters.

The equalizer sparked a wave of pressure. Nicolas Jackson saw a close-range effort denied, but deep into first-half stoppage time, Jackson turned provider, cutting the ball back for Gueye to curl home a delightful second and complete the turnaround.

Second-Half Control

Sudan threatened briefly after the restart, with Mendy producing a superb reflex save to deny Sheddy Barglan. That was as close as they came. Senegal dominated thereafter and sealed victory in the 77th minute when Mbaye rifled home from inside the box after another incisive Mané assist.

The Lions of Teranga comfortably saw out the contest, reaffirming their status as serious contenders for back-to-back AFCON crowns.

Post-Match Reaction

Pape Gueye (Man of the Match):
“I’m happy to win this award, but it’s for the whole team. Coming back from 1-0 down was tough, but we showed determination. Now we focus on the quarter-finals with the same intensity.”

Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw:
“Sudan were disciplined and deserved to be here. We had to dig deep after conceding early. Credit to my players for their focus. We’ll correct mistakes and prepare for the next challenge.”

Sudan Coach Kwesi Appiah:
“I’m disappointed with the result but proud of my players. We faced an experienced Senegal side and showed our quality. Sudanese fans should know we represented them with pride.”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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