Pape Gueye netted twice as Senegal rallied to defeat Sudan 3-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stopping their rivals’ impressive streak amid the nation’s ongoing civil conflict.
Aamir Abdallah’s breathtaking strike, arched over the leaping Edouard Mendy in the sixth minute, momentarily gave Sudanese supporters hope for a significant upset in Tangier.
Mendy was compelled to make a fantastic save low to his right from Mohamed Eisa’s angled attempt midway through the first half, before Senegal, inspired by the relentless drumming of their supporters, gradually started to apply pressure.
Nicolas Jackson had an opportunity to score just before the 30-minute mark, but his close-range shot was effectively denied by goalkeeper Monged Elneel; however, moments later, Gueye found the net with his first from 18 yards out.
The Villarreal midfielder, who was always locating space near Sudan’s penalty box, netted his second during first-half stoppage time, easily placing the ball over Elneel from 16 yards.
Mendy executed another excellent save to thwart the notable right-back Sheddy Barglan early in the second half, but after that moment, it seemed that the Teranga Lions could keep their resolute challengers at a safe distance.
Paris St-Germain youngster Ibrahim Mbaye sprinted off in the 77th minute to enhance the scoreline, and the striker subsequently sent a header over the Sudan goalpost.
Senegal will stay in Tangier for a quarter-final match next Friday against Mali, who triumphed over Tunisia on penalties in Saturday’s late match.
Sudan entered this match having never defeated Senegal and without having scored a goal in the tournament up to this point.
The Jediane Falcons advanced from their group thanks to an own goal in their 1-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea, progressing to the AFCON second round for only the second time since their championship win in 1970.
Few believed they could progress any further, even with Senegal lacking suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, but Abdallah’s first goal was a shot deserving of the prominent stage.
Gliding in from the right, he created just enough space next to fullback Ismail Jakobs to curl a stunning left-foot shot into the top left corner.
The relentless din continued to echo throughout this vast 75,600-seat arena, highlighted by splashes of Senegalese colors scattered around.
Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr shot directly at Elneel, while Sadio Mane couldn’t keep another effort on target as Senegal searched for their rhythm without success.
However, Mendy’s stop from Eisa appeared to finally energize Pape Thiaw’s team.
After moving to the right side of the field, Mane’s pull-back found Gueye ideally for his opening goal in the 29th minute, while another assault down the same wing appeared to have secured Senegal a second.
Sarr sprinted away but was taken down by Elneel, prompting the referee to immediately indicate a penalty even as the assistant referee lifted his flag for offside.
Following an excessively long delay for the video assistant referee (VAR), the on-field ruling was maintained, and Sarr had another attempt disallowed for offside shortly afterwards.
At this stage, Sudan was finding it difficult to fend off their rivals, and Gueye scored his second goal during first-half injury time.
The VAR was once again required to review a tight offside decision but on this occasion ruled that Sarr was onside while making a run in behind during the buildup.
The second half featured less action, allowing Thiaw to interchange several substitutes, but the victorious coach did not rely on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, who was listed on the bench after struggling with an ankle injury.
Although Mendy stopped a shot from Barglan early in the second half, Senegal full-back Krepin Diatta executed a courageous last-minute tackle to prevent Al Gozoli Nooh from having a possible opportunity late in the game.
Seventeen-year-old Mbaye, who made his international debut just in November, took it upon himself to showcase his emerging talent, outpacing Sudan captain Bakhit Khamis, evading the defender, and sending a powerful shot into the net from a narrow angle.
Senegal showcasing their depth makes it clear that the 2021 AFCON champions will be contenders again.
Sudan, which eliminated four-time champions Ghana during qualifiers, ignited hope for their country, but their remarkable journey concludes here.
