By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
The Lions of Teranga have marched into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan. Inspired by a clinical brace from Pape Gueye, Senegal not only secured their progression but also extended their impressive unbeaten run in head-to-head matchups to eight games.
A Shaky Start
Despite Sudan entering the knockout stage without having scored a goal throughout the entire group phase, they stunned the favorites just six minutes into the match. Aamir Abdallah found enough space away from Ismail Jakobs to curl a magnificent effort into the far corner, giving Sudan a shock early lead.
Senegal responded with immediate pressure. While Ismaïla Sarr fired directly at goalkeeper Monged Elneel and Sadio Mané sent a shot over the bar, the Lions remained persistent. The match saw a brief interruption following a heavy clash of heads between Habib Diarra and Ammar Taifour, but the intensity did not wane.
The Gueye Turning Point
Sudan’s Monged Elneel initially kept his side in the lead with a series of saves, including a superb stop to deny Nicolas Jackson. However, the pressure eventually told. Pape Gueye found the equalizer with a precise strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Controversy nearly struck when Ismaïla Sarr thought he had won a penalty and later scored, only to be ruled offside on both occasions. Senegal’s frustrations were short-lived, however, as Gueye struck again in first-half stoppage time with a clinical finish to send the Lions into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Sealing the Victory
Sudan attempted to replicate their fast start in the second half, but their momentum was halted by an injury to Mustafa Karshom. Senegal gradually regained control, though Boulaye Dia and Krépin Diatta missed opportunities to put the game out of reach earlier.
The definitive blow came from the bench. Just three minutes after being introduced, Ibrahim Mbaye raced onto a through ball from Sadio Mané and beat Elneel at the near post to make it 3-1.
A late challenge by Diatta on Al Gozoli Nooh ensured there were no late scares for the Senegalese defense. With this victory—their ninth consecutive competitive match without defeat—Senegal now prepares for a quarter-final clash against either Mali or Tunisia.
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