Senegal booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 AFCON, currently being held in Morocco, after a 3–1 victory over Sudan on Saturday evening at the Grand Stade de Tanger, in the opening match of the Round of 16.
Sudan made a surprise start, taking the lead just six minutes into the game through Amer Abdullah, whose superb strike found the right corner past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The goal was historic, as Abdullah became the first Sudanese player to score in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations since 1970, when Mohamed Al-Assar scored against Ghana in the final.
Senegal responded with composure, and Bab Gaye equalized in the 29th minute with a low shot to the left of the Sudanese goalkeeper.
Deep into first-half stoppage time (45+3), Gaye struck again with a powerful effort to give the Teranga Lions a 2–1 lead at the break.
In doing so, he became the first player in Senegal’s history to score twice in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In the second half, Senegal maintained control of the match, and Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the victory with the third goal in the 77th minute, confirming Senegal’s status as the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Senegal will now face Mali in the quarterfinals, scheduled to take place on January 9.
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