AFCON: Senegal overcome early deficit to surge past Sudan

Pape Gueye’s brace helped heavy favorites Senegal bounce back from a poor start to defeat Sudan 3-1 and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday in Tangier, Morocco.

The Villarreal midfielder scored both of his goals in the first half after Aamir Abdallah gave Sudan a shock lead inside six minutes. A strong response from the Lions of Teranga saw them take the lead for good by halftime and their place in the final eight was well secured after substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s second half strike.

It was an admirable effort from Sudan. James Kwesi Appiah’s side exploded off the blocks with an energetic start and took the lead with an outstanding effort. Receiving a pass on the right side of the penalty area in the 6th minute, Abdallah found space and curled a stellar effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

But a strong response was likely from the West Africans, who began to launch an onslaught of attacks on the Sudanese defense. In the 29th minute, Sudan goalkeeper Monged Elneel did brilliantly to save from Nicolas Jackson but he had no chance seconds later when Sadio Mané set up Gueye’s accurate low strike from eighteen yards.

A couple of VAR interventions prevented Senegal from taking the lead but in first half stoppage time, Gueye fired in the eventual match winner with a technically skilled strike from Jackson’s cross.

The Falcons showed some energy at the beginning of the second half but the 2021 champions soon re-established their dominance. It was little surprise when the Lions of Teranga extended their lead in the 77th minute courtesy of Mbaye, who got behind the defense on the right wing before shooting past Monged less than three minutes after coming off the bench.

Senegal will await the winner of Saturday’s second match between Tunisia and Mali in Casablanca. They will begin the quarterfinal stage on January 9 in Tangier.