TANGIER, Morocco: Senegal showed their resilience and quality as they fought back from an early setback to defeat Sudan 3-1 on Saturday, becoming the first team to secure a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
The defending champions were stunned just six minutes into their last-16 clash at the Grande Stade Tangier, conceding an early goal that briefly put Sudan in control. However, midfielder Pape Gueye turned the game around with a decisive brace before halftime, restoring Senegal’s dominance and composure.
Seventeen-year-old Ibrahima Mbaye sealed the victory with a fine finish 13 minutes from time, underlining Senegal’s depth and attacking promise.
After the match, coach Pape Bouna Thiaw praised his players’ mentality and focus, highlighting their ability to recover from adversity. He also stressed the importance of learning from mistakes as Senegal shift their attention to the quarter-finals, determined to pursue their AFCON ambitions with renewed intensity.
