Senegal started brightly, with Sadio Mane bursting into the box in the 4th minute, only to fire over from a tight angle. But just three minutes later, Sudan stunned the favourites. Aamir Abdallah unleashed a brilliant strike to make it 1-0, scoring Sudan’s first goal of the tournament and silencing the Senegal supporters.
Senegal, unbeaten winners of Group D, took on Sudan who finished third in Group E in their Round of 16 clash at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The match was played at the Grande Stade de Tangier.
Senegal responded with growing pressure. Nicolas Niakhaté saw a low effort saved, and Abuzaid then produced an excellent close-range stop to deny Nicolas Jackson. The equaliser finally arrived in the 30th minute when Sadio Mane won the ball in midfield and set up Papa Gueye, who drilled a composed finish from the edge of the box.
Senegal thought they had a penalty when Ismaila Sarr was brought down by the Sudan goalkeeper, but VAR confirmed an earlier offside in the build-up. The Lions of Teranga continued attacking and were rewarded just before half-time. In first-half added time, Jackson retrieved an over-hit cross and cut the ball back for Papa Gueye, who calmly placed a superb finish into the top-left corner for his second of the night, giving Senegal a 2-1 lead at the break.
Despite trailing, Sudan started the second half with real energy and refused to give in. The pace of the match dipped as substitutes entered, but Sudan remained competitive and stayed within touching distance heading into the final stages.
Senegal finally sealed the result in the 78th minute. Substitute Mbaye raced through on goal and smashed his finish inside the near post to make it 3-1 and end Sudan’s hopes of a comeback.
Senegal’s victory extends their unbeaten record against Sudan to eight matches, with four wins and three draws before this meeting. It was also the fifth time the teams had faced each other in 2025.
The result sends Senegal into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the tie between Mali and Tunisia, while Sudan exit the tournament after a brave effort.
