AFCON 2025: Senegal Shrug Off Early Sudan Scare to March Into Quarter-Finals

Pape Gueye scored twice as Senegal fought back from an early deficit to defeat Sudan 3-1, securing their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals and extending their unbeaten head-to-head record against the Falcons of Jediane to eight matches.

Sudan, who had failed to score a single goal of their own during the group stage, delivered a stunning blow just six minutes into the match.

Aamir Abdallah skillfully created space from Ismail Jakobs before curling a superb shot into the far corner, leaving the Lions of Teranga shell-shocked. Senegal immediately pushed for an equaliser, with Ismaïla Sarr testing goalkeeper Monged Elneel and Sadio Mané firing over the bar.

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Despite a brief pause for a clash of heads involving Habib Diarra and Ammar Taifour, Sudan remained competitive, with Mohamed Eisa forcing a save from Édouard Mendy.

Senegal continued to press, and after Elneel made a brilliant stop to deny Nicolas Jackson, he was finally beaten. Pape Gueye found the bottom corner with a precise strike from the edge of the area to level the score. Sarr had a penalty claim and a goal disallowed for offside, but Gueye struck again in first-half stoppage time with another clinical finish to give Senegal the lead at the interval.

Sudan started the second half with intent, as Sheddy Barglan was denied and Mohamed Saeed Ahmed sent a shot wide. However, their momentum was hampered when Mustafa Karshom was forced off with an injury. Senegal began to dominate possession, though they initially struggled to convert their chances, with Boulaye Dia and Krépin Diatta both missing opportunities after promising build-up play.

The decisive third goal came from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, just three minutes after he entered the field. Latching onto a through ball from Mané, Mbaye raced clear and beat Elneel at his near post to give his side a two-goal cushion. A late, firm challenge from Diatta on Al Gozoli Nooh helped quell any chance of a late Sudan comeback.

The victory marks Senegal's ninth consecutive competitive match without a loss and sends them into the AFCON quarter-finals, where they will face either Mali or Tunisia. For a spirited Sudan side, the loss was their fifth in their last six matches across all competitions.