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Pape Gueye scored twice as Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3–1 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), bringing to an end their opponents’ stirring run played out against the backdrop of Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Aamir Abdallah’s stunning sixth-minute opener, curled across the diving Edouard Mendy, briefly allowed Sudanese fans to dream of a famous upset in Tangier.
Mendy was then forced into an excellent low save to his right from Mohamed Eisa’s angled effort midway through the first half before Senegal, driven on by the incessant drumming of their supporters, gradually began to assert themselves.
The BBC reports that Nicolas Jackson should have scored just before the half-hour mark, but his close-range effort was well blocked by goalkeeper Monged Elneel.
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Seconds later, however, Gueye stroked home his first goal from 18 yards.
The Villarreal midfielder, who repeatedly found space on the edge of Sudan’s penalty area, struck again in first-half stoppage time, side-footing high past Elneel from 16 yards.
Mendy produced another fine save early in the second half to deny impressive right-back Sheddy Barglan, but from then on the Teranga Lions kept their determined opponents at arm’s length.
Paris Saint-Germain teenager Ibrahim Mbaye raced clear in the 77th minute to add a third goal and later sent a header over the bar.
Senegal will remain in Tangier for a quarter-final clash next Friday against Mali, who eliminated Tunisia on penalties in Saturday’s late game.
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