AFCON star Sarr fires Palace past Brighton

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Ismaïla Sarr scored for Crystal Palace as they overcame hosts Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 in a Premier League match on Sunday.

The Senegalese star timed his run to perfection to pick a pass from Ivorian Evann Guessand, race clear past two markers then fire the ball beyond the reach of Brighton of Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in the 61st minute.

It was the fourth Premier League goal for the forward, weeks after he helped Senegal overcome Morocco 1-0 and claim the AFCON title on January 18.

Two minutes after the goal for Sarr, Brighton had a chance to restore parity but one of their attackers fired over the bar to waste a blistering counterattack that found the visitors with less numbers in the defence.

Crystal Palace players and fans enjoyed that one 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jsUqa1U2C7

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 8, 2026

Sarr was substituted to a standing ovation in the 86th minute with Brennan Johnson replacing the former Watford FC man. Palace sit in the 13th place, one point ahead of the Seagulls.