By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 3, 2026
A clinical Pape Gueye brace propelled Senegal to a commanding 3-1 comeback victory over a spirited Sudan side in Tangier on Saturday, officially booking the Teranga Lions’ place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The win showcased the blend of resilience and star quality that makes Senegal one of the tournament’s foremost favorites.
The match began with a shock for the 2021 champions. In the sixth minute, Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah capitalized on a swift counter-attack, unleashing a superb curling effort that left goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rooted. The goal was a testament to the underdog’s tactical discipline and a stark reminder of the unpredictability that defines AFCON.
However, Senegal’s response was a masterclass in composure. Rather than panicking, they methodically imposed their superior technical and physical prowess. The equalizer arrived in the 29th minute, born from relentless pressure. Sadio Mané, demonstrating the defensive work rate that complements his genius, dispossessed an opponent in midfield and slid a perfect through ball to Pape Gueye. The midfielder finished with the calm of a seasoned striker, restoring parity and shifting the momentum irrevocably.
Senegal completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time with a goal of sublime quality. A fluid team move was capped by Nicolas Jackson’s intelligent, well-timed cut-back from the byline, which Gueye met with a first-time, curling finish for his second of the night. The goal underscored a key strength of this Senegalese side: their multi-faceted attack, where goals can come from any position.
Sudan emerged with renewed vigor after the break, and Mendy was forced into a sharp, reflex save to deny Sheddy Barglan from close range—a critical intervention that preserved Senegal’s lead and snuffed out any burgeoning hope for the underdogs.
The narrative of the match was further enriched by the enduring class of Sadio Mané. The captain provided two assists, moving clear as the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider with nine. His performance was a blend of creativity, leadership, and relentless energy, enhancing his legendary AFCON legacy while driving his team forward.
Senegal sealed the contest in the 77th minute, putting a definitive stamp on their authority. Substitute Ibrahima Mbaye, showcasing the squad’s impressive depth, fired home decisively after—fittingly—another incisive pass from Mané.
Deeper Context & Analysis: This victory was more than just a passage to the last eight. It demonstrated Senegal’s psychological fortitude in overcoming an early deficit, a trait essential for champions. The performance also highlighted their strategic flexibility; when Plan A was disrupted, they trusted their system and quality to prevail. With Gueye emerging as a potent goal threat from midfield to complement the established firepower of Mané and Jackson, Senegal’s attack appears increasingly difficult to contain. As they march confidently into the quarter-finals, they send a clear message to other contenders: they possess the experience, squad depth, and big-game mentality to defend their continental status.
The Teranga Lions now await their opponent in the next round, where the stakes—and the level of opposition—will rise exponentially. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
VO/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
