- Senegal beat Sudan 3–1 to secure a place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals in Morocco.
- The Round of 16 encounter was played on Saturday, January 3, at the Grande Stade de Tangier.
- Pape Gueye netted a brace for Senegal, Ibrahim Mbaye added the third, while Amir Abdallah scored Sudan’s consolation goal.
Pape Gueye scored a brace as Senegal came from behind to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarterfinals after beating Sudan 3-1 on Saturday evening in Morocco.
Sudan, the 1970 champions, believed they had seized the early initiative just five minutes into the match by drawing first blood through Amir Abdallah.
However, Villarreal’s Gueye responded with a first-half double before Ibrahim Mbaye secured the victory after the break, sending Lions of Teranga into the last eight as they aim to recapture the title they first won in 2021.
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Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 to advance for AFCON 2025 quarterfinals
At the Grande Stade de Tangier, the match began with both sides probing in the final third.
Sudan struck early in the fifth minute following a swift move down the right flank. A cross was delivered into the area, and after a quick exchange between Amir Abdallah and Walieldin Khdir, the ball returned to Abdallah, who made no mistake with a curled finish into the far left corner.
The Senegalese heavyweights took control thereafter but were repeatedly denied by Sudan goalkeeper Abuzaid, who produced several crucial saves in the first half-hour.
Just before the half-hour mark, however, Senegal’s persistent pressure told as they restored parity.
Following a fluid buildup, Sadio Mane dispossessed a Sudanese defender and slipped a pass into the box. The ball fell to Pape Gueye, who guided a precise low shot into the left corner.
Sudan struggled to build on their early goal as Senegal dominated the remainder of the half.
Their authority was rewarded in the 47th minute when Gueye struck again.
Ismaila Sarr delivered a cross from the left that reached Nicolas Jackson; he laid it off for Gueye to fire a powerful left-footed effort into the net, sending Senegal into halftime with the lead.
After the hour mark, chances were shared, though Senegal continued to command possession. Sudan sat deeper, looking to counter without sustained success.
Following a cagey period in the second half, Senegal extended their advantage in the 77th minute.
A superb volleyed assist from the right found super substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, who dribbled into the box and unleashed a strike to give his side a commanding lead.
Sudan pushed to find a way back into the game but could not break down a resolute Senegalese defense.
They bowed out at the last-16 stage amid challenging circumstances back home, while Senegal advance to the quarterfinals, firmly focused on reclaiming the trophy.
Senegal vs Sudan AFCON 2025 Last 16 Lineups – Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Senegal starting XI: Édouard Mendy; Moussa Niakhaté, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismail Jakobs, Krépin Diatta; Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye; Mbacke Diarra, Ismaïla Sarr; Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson.
- Sudan starting XI: Abuzaid Monged; Abuaagla Mohamed, Saeed Ahmed, Walieldin Khdir, Mustafa Mohamed; Abdelrhman Yousif, Bakhit Nemria; Tayfour Eldin, Mo Eisa, Sheddy Ezeldin; Amir Ibrahim.