Senegal advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations after coming down from a goal deficit to defeat Sudan 3-1 in their Round of 16 clash on Saturday, SportPremi Reports.
Sudan took a shock lead few minutes into the match through Aamit Abdallah, but the Lions of Teranga scored twice before halftime to reclaim the lead through Pape Gueye’s brace.
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Ibrahim Mbaye added a third in the second half to complete the win and send the 2021 champions into the last eight.
Pape Gueye stars as Senegal clinch quarterfinal berth
Sudan took the lead in the clash after only six minutes as a fierce strike from Aamit Abdallah was beyond the reach of Edouard Mendy.
Sadio Mane then blazed over before Sudan missed a glorious opportunity to double their advantage as Eisa was denied by a superb save from Mendy.
Nicolas Jackson then missed from point-blank range, before Senegal grabbed the equalizer through Pape Gueye in the 29th minute.
The Villarreal midfielder fired in from just outside the box past the palms of El Neel to make the scoreline 1-1.
The Sudan goalkeeper then fouled Ismaila Sarr moments later inside the box, but the penalty kick awarded by the referee was ruled out for offside in the buildup.
Gueye added his second and completed the comeback for the Lions of Teranga in first half stoppage-time, firing into the net after being played through by Jackson to give his side a 2-1 advantage into the break.
Senegal continued to attack the Sudanese goal in the second half, but El Neel was equal to the task, keeping his side in the game.
There was nothing he could do to prevent Ibrahim Mbaye from scoring in the 77th minute, only a few minutes after he had come on.
The PSG forward then missed another chance minutes later after his header flew just over the bar as the game ended 3-1 in favour of Senegal.
The Lions of Teranga advance to the next round, while Sudan have now been eliminated from the Round of 16.
Players Ratings:
Senegal Players Ratings
- Mendy – 7.1/10
- Diatta – 7.9/10
- Seck – 6.9/10
- Niakhate – 7.2/10
- Jakobs – 7.2/10
- Diarra – 6.5/10
- Gueye – 7.5/10
- P. Gueye – 9.0/10
- Sarr – 7.6/10
- Jackson – 6.9/10
- Mane – 9.0/10
Substitutes
- Diouf – 7.0/10
- Dia – 6.5/10
- Camara – 6.5/10
- Mbaye – 7.1/10
Sudan Players Ratings
- El Neel – 6.2/10
- Khamis – 6.3/10
- Karshom – 6.2/10
- Ereng – 6.3/10
- Barglan – 6.3/10
- Taifour – 5.8/10
- Abdalla – 5.5/10
- Abdel-Rahman – 6.4/10
- Khidir – 7.2/10
- Abdallah – 7.2/10
- Eisa – 6.2/10
Substitutes
- Abaker – 6.0/10
- Adil – 5.9/10
- Omer – 6.1/10
- Nooh – 6.0/10
- Mano – 6.0/10
Man of the match
Pape Gueye (9.0/10) – The Senegal midfielder inspired his side to victory with a first half brace as they booked their spot in the last eight.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Senegal 68% – 32% Sudan
Total Shots: Senegal 14 – 9 Sudan
Shots on target: Senegal 9 – 3 Sudan
Pass Accuracy: Senegal 85% – 70% Sudan
Corners: Senegal 7 – 4 Sudan
What Next?
Senegal advance to the quarterfinals where they will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Mali and Tunisia.
