Senegal have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, becoming the first team to progress from the knockout stage after a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Sudan.

The round-of-16 clash began with an early shock as Sudan took the lead in the 6th minute, catching the defending champions cold. However, Senegal quickly regained control, showcasing their composure and tournament pedigree before the interval.

Idrissa Gueye was the driving force behind the turnaround, scoring twice to swing the momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour before half-time. The Lions of Teranga dictated the tempo in the second half, and Mbaye sealed the result with a decisive strike in the 77th minute.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal - Sudan 3:1 (2:1)
Goals: Abdallah, 6 (0:1); Gueye P.A., 29 (1:1); Gueye P.A., 45 (2:1); Mbaye, 77 (3:1)

Senegal: Mendy Ed.; Seck A.; Jakobs I. (Diouf Mal., 53); Niakhaté; Gueye P.A. (Ciss P., 87); Gueye I.; Diarra H. (Camara L., 73); Mane Sa.; Sarr Is. (Mbaye, 74); Jackson N. (Dia B., 53); Diatta
Substitution: Diouf Mal. (from 53); Dia B. (from 53); Camara L. (from 73); Mbaye (from 74); Ciss P. (from 87)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Diaw M.; Sarr; Mendy An.; Sarr P.; Sabaly C.; Niang Ou.; Ndiaye Il.; Ndiaye; Diallo H.
Yellow Cards: Jakobs I. 13; Jackson N. 50

Sudan: Alnil; Ering; Karshoum (Abaker, 61); Khamis; Barglan; Taifour; Abdalla (Nouh A-J., 79); Khedr (Mano, 79); Abdallah (Raouf, 79); Abdelrahman (Adil, 68); Eisa M.
Substitution: Abaker (from 61); Adil (from 68); Raouf (from 79); Mano (from 79); Nouh A-J. (from 79)
Bench: Eshrein; Abooja; Awad; Mohamedein; Zayed; Muzmel; Tia Asad
Yellow Cards: Barglan 70; Adil 85