Senegal have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a commanding 3–1 comeback victory over Sudan in their round of 16 encounter at Tanger on Saturday, Bold Sports reports.
Despite an early scare, the Lions of Teranga once again demonstrated their pedigree and impressive quality, overturning a first-half deficit through a brace from Pape Gueye before teenager Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the win in the second half.
Sudan had stunned Senegal just six minutes into the contest when Aamir Abdallah had a moment of magic. Picking up the ball on the right side of the penalty area, Abdallah shifted onto his left foot and curled a precise effort into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Édouard Mendy with no chance.
The goal briefly unsettled Senegal, but Pape Thiaw’s side responded with urgency. Sadio Mané tested Sudan keeper El Neel from a free kick, and moments later, the former Liverpool star forced a corner as pressure mounted. Senegal came agonisingly close to equalising in the 28th minute when Nicolas Jackson found himself unmarked from close range, only for El Neel to produce an impressive save, denying the Bayern Munich striker.
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The breakthrough finally arrived soon after. Gueye collected the ball just outside the box on the right and unleashed a strike towards the near post, beating the diving El Neel to bring Senegal level. VAR drama followed when Senegal were initially awarded a penalty after Ismaïla Sarr was brought down by the Sudan goalkeeper, but the decision was overturned following an offside call against Jackson in the buildup.
Undeterred, Senegal completed the turnaround just before halftime. Jackson turned provider this time, passing the ball from the left side of the box for Gueye, who side-footed a sublime finish into the top-left corner to give his side a 2–1 lead at the break.
The West African giants controlled proceedings in the second half, dictating the tempo and limiting Sudan’s attacking threat. Their dominance was rewarded in the 77th minute when 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye announced himself on the continental stage, firing a strike into the top-right corner to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory ends Sudan’s AFCON campaign, while Senegal march on as one of the tournament favourites. They will now await the winner of the round of 16 clash between Mali and Tunisia as they continue their quest for continental glory.
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