Senegal rallied from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 in Tanger in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, booking their place in the quarter-finals in the process.
The 2021 champions found themselves a goal down after only six minutes when Aamir Abdallah shot Sudan ahead from the corner of the penalty area. It sent the Sudanese fans into a frenzy; hoping that it could spark an upset against the powerful Senegalese.
Senegal settled into the game, laying siege in Sudan’s half, creating several good opportunities.
The Teranga Lions drew level when Papa Gueye found the corner of the Sudanese goal after half an hour following a lovely cut back from Sadio Mane. Gueye was on hand again after a delightful team move to put Senegal ahead at the interval with a powerful left-footed drive late in first half stoppage time.
Senegal then put daylight between themselves and Sudan in the 77th minute when teenager Ibrahim Mbaye latched onto another Sadio Mane ball to seal the 3-1 win. That assist from the veteran took him to the top of the assist charts with eight, ahead of Yaya Toure who had been top with seven assists.
The victory means Senegal progress to the quarter-finals and will face Mali, while Sudan bow out.
