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Ed Dove
MOROCCO — Senegal staged a comeback from a goal down to defeat Sudan with a score of 3-1 in Tanger on Saturday, securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals. Highlights included a brace from Pape Gueye and a second-half goal by Ibrahim Mbaye, keeping the 2019 champions on track for a potential second continental title.
Aamir Abdallah opened the scoring with a superb curling effort in the sixth minute, putting Sudan ahead against the run of play. However, Gueye equalized just before the half-hour mark by finding the net from the edge of the box and then struck again just before halftime.
As with their preliminary matches, Senegal took time to settle into their rhythm, a slower start that allowed a thirsty Sudanese side, making its first appearance in the AFCON knockout stage since 2012, to capitalize. Abdallah caught Senegal off guard, finding himself in space after a defensive lapse, and finished with finesse past Édouard Mendy.
Sudan had additional chances early on, with Abdallah creating another opportunity just after 25 minutes, but Mendy managed to keep his effort out.
As the first half progressed, Senegal regained their composure and began to dominate play as Sudan started to tire.
Nicolas Jackson forced a remarkable save from Elneel Monged in the 28th minute, and moments later Gueye leveled the score with a shot from the edge of the area, set up by Sadio Mané.
Sudan began to lose their footing, and in the 34th minute, Monged fouled Ismaïla Sarr in the box. Although awarded a penalty, a VAR review overturned the call due to Sarr’s offside position.
Shortly after, Gueye’s shot was saved brilliantly by Monged, and from the subsequent corner, Abdoulaye Seck sent a header directly at the keeper.
Senegal almost scored again before halftime, with Sarr netting but being called back for offside. However, by the second minute of stoppage time, they finally took the lead as a Senegal counter broke down, but Jackson recovered the ball and assisted Gueye for the goal.
Sudan struggled to maintain their earlier determination in the second half as Senegal made tactical substitutions to manage the game’s pace and conserve energy for upcoming matches.
Substitute Mbaye, welcomed warmly by Senegal fans, sealed the victory in the 77th minute. He led a rapid counterattack, evading defenders before finishing past Monged.
The 17-year-old came close to scoring again two minutes later when he met a cross from El Hadji Malick Diouf but sent his header over the bar.
In a moment of danger for Senegal, Krépin Diatta had to make a crucial interception to prevent a Sudaneses threat after a poor defensive header.
Diatta unfortunately collided with goalkeeper Mendy and required treatment.
Next, Senegal will remain in Tanger for the quarterfinals scheduled for next Friday.