It was a game of resilience, brilliance, and sheer determination as Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1, securing their spot in the AFCON quarter-finals.
The match, played at the Grande Stade Tangier, was set alight by an early shock from Sudan, who took the lead within just six minutes. Aamir Abdallah curled a stunning shot past Edouard Mendy, sending the Senegalese fans into stunned silence.
But this was Senegal the 2021 AFCON champions a team built on grit and skill. And they weren’t going to let an early setback define their journey.
Pape Gueye stepped up. The midfielder, calm under pressure, found the equalizer after a clever steal by Sadio Mané in midfield. That was just the beginning. Senegal didn’t just bounce back they dominated.
With five minutes left before halftime, Gueye was at it again. After a perfectly-timed assist from Sarr, Gueye calmly side-footed the ball into the net to give Senegal the lead. The crowd roared, and Senegal’s confidence soared.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Sarr had the ball in the net moments before the break, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. And when Sarr was fouled in the area, the penalty was overturned by VAR. Yet, Senegal’s resolve never wavered.
Then came the moment that sealed it. Ibrahima Mbaye, just 17, was the youngest player on the field, but he showed maturity beyond his years. With just 13 minutes left, the teenager scored his first international goal, assisted by none other than Mané again.
The goal made history, as Mbaye became the second-youngest scorer in AFCON history, just weeks before his 18th birthday.
Senegal had done it. They had weathered the storm, found their rhythm, and emerged victorious. The 3-1 win was a testament to their power, class, and unity showing the world they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Now, Senegal will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals on Friday, but one thing’s for sure: This team’s heart and hunger for victory are unmatched.
