Defending champions Senegal secured the first spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals on Saturday, defeating Sudan 3-1 in Tangiers. The victory was clinched by a goal from 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, just four minutes after he came off the bench.
A Shaky Start for the Champions
Senegal, ranked 99 places higher than their war-torn opponents, were rattled in the sixth minute when Aamir Abdallah, a semi-professional playing for an Australian second-tier club, curled a superb opening goal past former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal, ranked 99 places higher than their war-torn opponents, were rattled in the sixth minute when Aamir Abdallah, a semi-professional playing for an Australian second-tier club, curled a superb opening goal past former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The Teranga Lions quickly found their composure. A brace from midfielder Pape Gueye (who plays for La Liga side Villarreal) put Senegal ahead 2-1 by halftime. The equalizer came in the 30th minute off a Sadio Mane assist, and the second was a brilliant side-foot finish three minutes into added time.
Mbaye Seals the Deal
With Sudan pushing for an equalizer, Senegal introduced teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye midway through the second half. The strategic substitution paid immediate dividends: Mbaye latched onto a long pass in the 77th minute and beat the Sudanese goalkeeper at the near post, putting the outcome beyond doubt.
With Sudan pushing for an equalizer, Senegal introduced teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye midway through the second half. The strategic substitution paid immediate dividends: Mbaye latched onto a long pass in the 77th minute and beat the Sudanese goalkeeper at the near post, putting the outcome beyond doubt.
Senegal, playing without their suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, will now face the winner of the Mali vs. Tunisia match in the quarter-finals.