AFCON: Senegal clinch Quarter Final Place with 3-1 Win Victory Over Sudan

Senegal secured a 3–1 victory over Sudan on Saturday in Tangiers to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, with teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sealing the win in impressive outing.

The match got off to a shocking start for the former champions as Sudan took the lead in the sixth minute through Aamir Abdallah. The semi-professional forward, who plays his club football in Australia, curled a fine shot over Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to stun the heavily favoured opponents.

Senegal responded with composure and gradually took control of the contest. Their pressure paid off when Sadio Mané set up Pape Gueye, who fired a low shot into the corner to draw level. Gueye struck again deep into first-half added time, expertly guiding a cross into the net to give Senegal a 2–1 lead going into the break.

Despite Sudan’s spirited resistance, the gulf in quality became more evident in the second half. Senegal continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Sudan goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid repeatedly called into action to keep his side in the game.

Seventeen-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, introduced midway through the second half, needed just four minutes to make his mark. The Paris Saint-Germain forward latched onto a long pass and calmly finished at the near post in the 77th minute, effectively ending Sudan’s hopes of a comeback.

The result was widely expected, with Senegal ranked 99 places above Sudan in the world rankings. Senegal also made six changes from the team that defeated Botswana in their final group match, notably missing suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly. Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah, meanwhile, retained only Abdallah from the side that lost to Burkina Faso in the group stage.

This was the first time both countries met at the Africa Cup of Nations, although they had previously faced each other in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Senegal won at home and earned a draw away.

With the victory, Senegal now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Mali or Tunisia, who meet later on Saturday in Casablanca.