By

Eniola Olatunji 
 

The Teranga Lions of Senegal on Saturday night in Agadir came from a goal down to assert their dominance over the Falcons of Sudan, sealing a convincing 3–1 victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Sudan stunned the defending champions early when Aamir Abdallah opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a superb curling strike from outside the box—his country’s first goal of the tournament—momentarily silencing the Senegalese supporters.

Senegal responded with composure and class. Villarreal attacker Pape Gueye drew the Teranga Lions level in the 29th minute after receiving a pass from Sadio Mané, firing home from the edge of the area. Gueye completed his brace just before halftime, in the 45+3 minute, this time finishing clinically after a clever connection from Nicolas Jackson.

 

The comeback underlined Senegal’s attacking depth and experience as they took firm control of the match.

Senegal put the result beyond doubt in the 77th minute through 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, one of the youngest players at the tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster, fast gaining a reputation as a dangerous super substitute, finished confidently from a well-delivered set piece by Mané to make it 3–1.

Despite the defeat, Sudan’s journey at the tournament was historic. Ranked 117th in the world, the Falcons became the first nation to qualify for the AFCON Round of 16 without scoring a goal in the group stage. Their progression was aided by an own goal from Equatorial Guinea, following group-stage losses to Burkina Faso (2–0) and Algeria (3–0).

 

Sudan are making their 10th AFCON appearance and remain one of the continent’s early football pioneers, having won bronze medals in 1957 and 1959, silver in 1963, and their only title in 1970.

Senegal, ranked 19th globally and appearing at the AFCON finals for the 18th time, reached the knockout stage after defeating Benin 3–0, drawing 1–1 with DR Congo, and thrashing Botswana 3–0. The Teranga Lions won their first AFCON title at Cameroon 2021 and have twice finished fourth, in 1965 and 2006.

 

Historically, Senegal have now faced Sudan seven times, winning four matches and drawing three. Sudan have yet to record a victory over the West African giants, with Senegal’s biggest win being a 3–0 triumph at AFCON in October 2018.

Senegal will face  Mali  Round of 16 clash in the quarterfinals on January 9 in Tangier.