Here’s a detailed 800-word report on Senegal’s dramatic victory over Sudan that propelled them into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, powered by a brilliant brace from Pape Gueye and strong team performance.
AFCON 2025: Gueye Brace Fires Senegal into Quarter-Finals
Senegal announced themselves as serious contenders at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 comeback win over Sudan in the last-16 round in Tangier on Saturday. Despite conceding an early shock goal, the defending champions rallied impressively — led by midfielder Pape Gueye’s two goals — to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament in Morocco. (The National)
The match was the first knockout clash of AFCON 2025 and set the tone for the intensity and quality expected in the later stages. Senegal, boasting a squad with a blend of experience and youthful talent, showed both resilience and attacking prowess to overturn an early deficit and seal their place among the final eight.
Sudan’s Early Surprise
The encounter began in dramatic fashion for Sudan, a team that had already captured attention by qualifying for the knockout phase despite the turmoil affecting their nation. Within the opening six minutes, Sudan stunned Senegal and their fans with a superb goal from Aamir Abdallah. The striker, playing in Australia’s lower leagues, seized upon a quick counter-attack, curling a left-footed shot past veteran Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and into the top corner to give his side an unexpected lead. (AOL)
The goal stunned the Senegalese, but it also awakened their competitive instincts. Instead of panicking, the Lions of Teranga took the shock setback in stride and began to reassert control over the game’s tempo.
Gueye’s First Goal Sparks the Rally
Senegal’s response gathered momentum around the half-hour mark when Pape Gueye produced a composed finish to level the score. After Sadio Mané — the famed Senegal captain and tournament veteran — dispossessed a Sudanese midfielder in the center of the park, he released Gueye into space. The midfielder made no mistake, driving a low shot into the corner of the net to bring the champions back into contention. (The National)
This equalizer changed the match’s complexion, instilling confidence in Senegal’s players while visibly unsettling their opponents. The Teranga Lions started to control possession more convincingly, probing for openings and dictating the pace — a stark contrast to their slow start.
Gueye Completes His Brace Before Half-Time
The momentum continued to shift in Senegal’s favour, and deep into first-half injury time, Pape Gueye struck again. Receiving the ball from a well-timed cutback by Nicolas Jackson, Gueye showed excellent technique, curling his second goal past the Sudanese goalkeeper. This strike not only gave Senegal a lead but also showcased Gueye’s increasing influence in major matches, turning him from a midfield workhorse into a decisive scorer on the continental stage. (Egyptian Gazette)
Gueye’s brace was historic in its own right. Beyond the immediate match impact, it marked an important milestone in his international career — elevating his profile as one of Senegal’s key players in the tournament. His blend of tactical awareness, timing, and finishing ability made the difference in transforming what could have been a tense, nervy contest into a game controlled by the defending champions.
Second Half Control and Mbaye’s Decisive Third
After the break, Sudan attempted to find an equalizer, but their threat was limited and intermittent. Early in the second half, Senegal goalkeeper Mendy produced a remarkable reflex save to deny a close-range effort, which proved crucial in maintaining the one-goal buffer heading into the later phases. (Egyptian Gazette)
As the match neared its climax, Senegal introduced fresh legs — including 17-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, a Paris Saint-Germain forward who had switched allegiance to Senegal. Only four minutes after his introduction, Mbaye made a decisive impact. Picking up a perfectly weighted pass — again set up by Mané — the teenager drove a powerful shot into the net to seal the 3–1 win. His strike put the result beyond doubt and provided a memorable moment for the young talent on one of African football’s largest stages. (The National)
Mané’s Legacy: Assists and Leadership
Senegal’s victory was also notable for its celebration of Sadio Mané’s enduring leadership and quality. The captain provided two assists in the game — for Gueye’s second goal and Mbaye’s late strike — further cementing his status in AFCON history. Those contributions moved Mané clear at the top of the tournament’s all-time assists chart, surpassing Ivory Coast legend Yaya Touré. (Egyptian Gazette)
Mané’s influence extended beyond statistics; his experience and presence ensured Senegal remained calm under early pressure and that their offensive play retained creativity and purpose throughout.
Senegal’s Road Ahead
With this win, Senegal became the first team to secure a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, emphasizing their intent to retain the title they won in 2021. Their next opponent will be either Mali or Tunisia, who play each other later in the day in Casablanca to determine who meets the Lions of Teranga in the last eight. (Al Jazeera)
The victory highlighted both tactical maturity and squad depth for Senegal. Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has balanced experienced stalwarts with emerging talents — and it paid off handsomely in Tangier. The team’s ability to recover from setbacks, coupled with its clinical finishing, positions them as one of the favourites to lift the trophy again.
Conclusion
Senegal’s 3–1 victory over Sudan at AFCON 2025 was more than just a result; it was a statement. After a shocking early goal from their underdog opponents, the Lions of Teranga responded with character, quality, and efficiency. Pape Gueye’s brace was central to that resurgence, while Mané’s leadership and Mbaye’s youthful exuberance added further sparks to an otherwise composed performance.
As the competition progresses, Senegal will surely be among the teams to watch — and if their display against Sudan is any indication, they are capable of going all the way. (The National)
If you’d like a tactical breakdown of Senegal’s performance or insights into Sudan’s tournament run, just let me know!
