AFCON 2025
Senegal have become the first team to qualify for the last eight of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Lions of Terenga sealed their spot at the expense of worn-torn Sudan on Saturday evening at the iconic Stade de Tangier Stadium.
Sudan, led by former Ghana Black Stars’ coach, Kwesi Appiah shocked the 2019 champions by racing into an early lead.
Aamir Abdallah put the Sudanese ahead against the run of play as he bent a curler into the far post in the sixth minute.
The lead lasted for over twenty minutes as the Sudanese defended deep in their half to protect their lead.
However, Senegal’s quick interchange of passes in the final third broke the Sudanese defense as Papa Gueye, off a pass from Sadio Mane, fired a low drive into the bottom corner to restore parity.
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr put the ball in the back of the net but his goal was ruled for offside as Sudan momentarily survived Senegal’s onslaught.
However, Senagal event grabbed the lead in the lead just before the break as Papa Gueye slammed the ball into the back of the net with a left-footed effort of a pass from Nicolas Jackson.
Senegal controlled the tie for most part of the second half as Sudan chased the ball while searching for another lucky break.
Substitute, Ibrahim Mbaye came off the bench and powered a right-footed strike into the roof off the net after he was played though on goal by Sadio Mane.
The tie ended 3-1 as Senegal progressed into the quarter-finals becoming the first team to do so in the tournament.
The Lions of Terenga awaits the winner between Tunisia and Mali in the last eight later tonight.
