Senegal crush Sudan to storm into AFCON quarter-finals

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senegal powered into the quarter-finals of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 3–1 victory over Sudan, brushing aside early resistance to underline their credentials as serious title contenders.

The Teranga Lions were stunned inside six minutes when Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah struck a thunderous long-range effort to give the Falcons a shock lead.

However, Senegal responded with composure and authority, gradually asserting control over the contest and overwhelming their opponents with superior quality and experience.

Parity was restored in the 29th minute when Pape Gueye fired home after neat interplay involving Sadio Mane, swinging momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.

The turnaround was completed deep into first-half stoppage time as Gueye struck again, this time rifling a superb effort into the top corner to hand the defending champions a 2–1 lead at the break.

Senegal dominated possession for long spells in the second half, dictating the tempo and denying Sudan any sustained attacking rhythm.

The pressure eventually told in the 77th minute when substitute Ibrahim Mbaye finished clinically into the top corner, effectively sealing the contest and extinguishing Sudan’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite Sudan enjoying brief spells of possession late on, Senegal’s defensive organisation and the assurance of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy ensured there were no further scares as the West Africans closed out the tie comfortably.

The emphatic win sends Senegal into the last eight with confidence building, while Sudan exit the tournament having shown flashes of promise but ultimately undone by Senegal’s depth, discipline and clinical edge in front of goal.