Senegal booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday after recovering from an early setback to defeat Sudan 3–1 in Tangier.
The defending champions were caught cold in the opening minutes as Sudan stunned them with a sixth-minute opener. Abdallah capped a swift counter-attack with a beautifully curled left-footed strike that left the Senegal defence exposed.
Despite the early shock, Senegal remained calm and gradually asserted control. Their pressure paid off midway through the first half when midfielder Pape Gueye drew them level. Sadio Mané won possession in midfield before releasing Gueye, who kept his composure to fire a low shot past the Sudanese goalkeeper.
The equaliser lifted Senegal’s tempo, with Gueye testing the keeper from distance and Nicolas Jackson going close after meeting a dangerous ball from the flank. Their dominance was rewarded just before the interval as Senegal completed the comeback. Jackson turned provider again, cutting the ball back for Gueye, who curled home his second goal to give Senegal a 2–1 lead at the break.
Sudan attempted to respond after the restart and nearly found an immediate reply, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced a sharp reflex save to deny Sheddy Barglan from close range. That proved to be Sudan’s last clear opportunity as Senegal tightened their grip on the contest.
The Lions of Teranga sealed the victory 13 minutes from time when substitute Mbaye struck decisively from inside the penalty area following another incisive assist from Mané.
