Pape Gueye struck twice as former champions Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 in Tangier on Saturday evening and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025.
An early moment of brilliance from Aamir Abdallah had given Sudan a shock lead, but Senegal responded with authority, Gueye netting a decisive brace before substitute Ibrahima Mbaye sealed the victory late on.
While Gueye took centre stage with his goals, history also beckoned for Sadio Mané. The Senegal captain provided two assists — for Gueye’s second goal and Mbaye’s strike — moving him clear at the top of the AFCON all-time assists chart with nine, two more than Côte d’Ivoire legend Yaya Touré.
Sudan made a dream start, stunning the defending champions just six minutes in. Abdallah finished a swift counter-attack with a sublime curling effort from his favoured left foot.
Senegal, however, remained composed and steadily grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Gueye restored parity. Mané dispossessed Mohamed Abuaagla in midfield and quickly released Gueye, who calmly drove a low finish past the goalkeeper.
The equalizer sparked Senegal into life. Moments earlier, Gueye had tested the keeper from range, while Nicolas Jackson saw a close-range effort denied following a dangerous delivery from the left.
The Lions of Teranga completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time. Jackson again played a key role, cutting the ball back for Gueye, who produced a delightful curling finish from inside the box to make it 2-1.
Sudan pushed for a response after the break and came agonizingly close just two minutes into the second half. However, Edouard Mendy produced a superb reflex save to deny Sheddy Barglan from close range.
That proved to be Sudan’s final meaningful threat. Senegal controlled proceedings thereafter and wrapped up the contest 13 minutes from time. Substitute Mbaye unleashed a powerful strike from inside the area after yet another incisive Mané assist to put the result beyond doubt.
Sudan were unable to mount a late comeback as Senegal comfortably saw out the match, underlining their credentials as serious contenders for the AFCON crown once again.
