Sat Jan 03 18:33:59 UTC 2026: ## Senegal Roar Back to Secure AFCON Quarterfinal Spot

Tangier, Morocco – Senegal overcame an early shock to defeat Sudan 3-1 on Saturday, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. After a shaky start that saw them concede to Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah in the 6th minute, the Lions of Teranga rallied thanks to a brace from Pape Gueye and a late goal from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye.

Sudan, facing immense challenges off the pitch due to the ongoing civil war back home, stunned the favorites early on when Abdallah curled a beautiful shot past Edouard Mendy. However, Senegal, ranked 99 places above Sudan, responded with sustained pressure. Sadio Mane set up Pape Gueye for the equalizer around the half-hour mark, calming the Senegalese nerves. Gueye then added a second in injury time of the first half with a well-placed side-footed effort to give Senegal the lead.

Senegal continued to dominate after the break, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, making an instant impact after coming off the bench, sealed the victory with a composed finish in the 77th minute. The young Paris Saint-Germain forward, who previously represented France at youth levels, chose to represent Senegal, the country of his father’s birth.

Senegal will now face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarterfinals. While the victory was largely expected, the early scare served as a reminder that anything can happen in tournament football. For Sudan, despite the defeat, the tournament provided a platform to showcase their talent amidst the difficult circumstances facing their nation.

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