Senegal beat Sudan to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye announced himself on the continental stage by scoring four minutes after coming off the bench as Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 in Tangiers to reach the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, who previously represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Senegal, sealed a predictable but hard-earned victory in the first last-16 match of the tournament.
Despite being 99 places below Senegal in the FIFA world rankings, Sudan stunned the former champions with an early opener. Aamir Abdallah, who plays semi-professionally in Australia, struck in the sixth minute with a sublime curling effort that floated over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and into the net.
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Senegal responded with authority. After sustained pressure, Pape Gueye equalised following a clever assist from Sadio Mane, firing low into the corner after 33 minutes. The Villarreal midfielder struck again deep into first-half stoppage time, side-footing home a cross to give the Lions of Teranga a 2-1 lead at the break.
Sudan, who reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams despite failing to score in the group phase, relied heavily on goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid to stay in the contest. He produced several fine saves, including denying Nicolas Jackson and later Ismaila Sarr, whose goal was ruled out for offside after VAR intervention.
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Senegal continued to dominate after the interval and introduced Mbaye midway through the second half in search of a decisive third goal. The youngster delivered almost instantly, racing onto a long pass and beating Abuzaid at his near post to put the result beyond doubt after 77 minutes.
The match marked the first AFCON meeting between Senegal and Sudan, though the sides have crossed paths in 2026 World Cup qualifying, where Senegal claimed four points.
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Missing suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal made six changes from their final group-stage win over Botswana but still showed their depth and tournament pedigree.
They will now face Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals, as Senegal continue their pursuit of a second AFCON title.
SportsLigue