How Pape Gueye led Senegal past Sudan to book their place in AFCON 2025 quarter-final
SOURCE:The Athletic|BY:The Athletic Live Team and more
Senegal came from behind to become the first team to make the quarter-final at this year’s AFCON
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Senegal came from behind to become the first team to make the quarter-final at this year’s AFCON
The Athletic Live Team and more
January 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM EST
Senegal will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-final. Getty Images
Senegal 3-1 Sudan — AFCON result
Senegal have beaten Sudan 3-1 to advance to the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sudan took a shock lead inside six minutes thanks to a brilliant effort from Aamir Abdallah, but Pape Gueye turned the game around with two excellent first-half goals from the edge of the penalty area.
Senegal made sure of their victory when substitute Ibrahim Mbaye thumped in a third goal in the 77th minute.
The 2021 AFCON champions will face Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-final.
Even ageing stars like Sadio Mane still have that sparkle and quality when needed and are a constant threat.
You can see why they are considered one of the teams to beat here.
Mbaye one to watch
Well, talk about living up to the hype.
It was remarkably composed from Mbaye to score in the way he did — far beyond his years and experience at the top level.
If he carries on in the same fashion, he will be one to watch in the quarter final and beyond.
Moment of the match: Mbaye welcomes the noise
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As Nancy mentioned, the Senegal fans inside the Tangier Grand Stadium swelled with (even more) noise to greet the arrival of 17-year-old wonderkid Ibrahim Mbaye.
He was not overawed by the reception or the occasion.
Instead, he rose to meet it.
One suspected he may have missed the chance to shoot as he paused after bursting into the Sudan box... but that brief pause was just to get his bearings and wait for the right moment.
He lashed the ball in at the near post to score just his fourth senior goal for club and country. Based on this evidence, there will be many more to follow.
Picture of the match: A fierce contest out there
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Both sides had players bandaged up by the end of the match.
That speaks to the committed play from both teams, who generally played the match in a very good spirit: tough and competitive, but fair.
Senegal showed steel when needed to stand up firm against the Sudanese challenge.
They look a well-rounded team capable of going deep in Morocco.
Player of the match: Pape Gueye
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It has to be Pape Gueye.
The tall, rangy midfielder did all his defensive work and mixed his passes well, while also making the scoresheet twice.
Amid serious competition at the heart of the Senegalese midfield, he more than warranted his start and two classy left-footed finishes capped off a dominant all-court performance.
Watch out, Mali or Tunisia!
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Today's later match between Mali and Tunisia begins in less than an hour under a rainbow in Casablanca at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET.
The winner will face Senegal in the quarter-final.
All you can say to them looking at the strength of Senegal's squad and performance today is: good luck, lads.
...as well as Sudan
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And Sudan deserve their flowers after a proud, brave performance.
They took the lead early and played to the limits of their abilities, or very close, but were ultimately overpowered by one of the best sides on the continent.
A tough team to be drawn against in the round of 16. With a fairer wind, they could have made the quarter-finals.
Instead, they return home knowing they fought hard and did as well as they could have, which will hopefully bring their fans some small consolation amid serious unrest in the country.
An encounter to give Senegal credit...
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Probably the perfect match for Senegal. A reasonably tough test for Pape Thiaw's side, but not too tough.
An early concession to wake them up and remind them against the risks of complacency, a gradual but overwhelming fightback.
The chance to make early substitutions and avoid any more costly suspensions, no real injuries other than a late knock for Krepin Diatta.
FULL TIME: Senegal 3-1 Sudan
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There’s the whistle!
Senegal are through to the quarter-final at AFCON.
A valiant effort by Sudan, as their players slump to the floor, but Senegal were the better team on the night.
A match fizzling out
90+3’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
This all feels pretty much done and dusted for Senegal, which is epitomised by a wild volley from Taifour as he tried to score a wonder goal from range.
That flies well over and behind.
Seven minutes added on
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90’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
Are there more goals in this yet?
A perfect tackle
90’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
Watching that challenge again and it really was a stellar one.
Without Diatta’s intervention, Mendy looked like he was about to take out Nooh in what could have been a red-card contact.
Unfortunately, the Senegal right-back is paying the price for it with a pretty extended period of treatment.
Diatta with a big block!
88’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
What a chance that was for Sudan.
Sub Nooh, racing through on goal, was about to pull the trigger when Diatta slid in to deny him. He has injured himself in the process after colliding with Mendy, who had rushed off his line.
Abdallah a bright spark
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82’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
It will not be any consolation if the score ends as it is but Abdallah has been a real bright spark for Sudan.
Plenty of running, chopping inside and a willingness to shoot — which is how Sudan took the lead in the first place.
Sudan roll the dice
81’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
We’re in last chance saloon here for Sudan, who have brought on more subs to spark something.
Abdalla comes off for Nooh and Abdulrahman made way for Adel a few minutes earlier.
Mbaye. Special.
79' Senegal 2-1 Sudan
Haha, that's why Ibrahim Mbaye is the future of the Lions of Teranga.
A superb impact, a superb finish and a superb young prospect.
Reminder: he is only 17.
He was born in 2008, which makes me feel a little nauseated.
How Mbaye scored Senegal's third
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79’ Senegal 3-1 Sudan
Well, just as it looked like the substitutions might have sapped some of Senegal’s momentum, they score.
On the counter-attack, they broke the length of the field with Mbaye able to pick the ball up on the right and hold off his man to get the shot away.
Great pace to get into the right area and a lovely finish. Quality.
