Defending champions Senegal booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tanger, bringing an end to Kwesi Appiah’s side’s impressive run at the tournament.
Sudan stunned the holders inside the opening minutes when Aamir Abdallah produced a moment of brilliance in the sixth minute, curling a superb effort beyond Edouard Mendy to hand the Falcons a shock early lead.
The goal briefly unsettled Senegal and raised hopes of another upset, as Sudan sought to build on their impressive showing in the competition.
Senegal responded with composure and authority, gradually asserting control in midfield. Pape Alassane Gueye drew the champions level in the 29th minute with a calm finish from the edge of the area before completing the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time, side-footing home his second to give Senegal a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Gueye’s dominant display set the tone for the remainder of the contest, as Senegal dictated the tempo and pinned Sudan back for long spells.
Despite a spirited defensive effort from Sudan in the second half, the pressure eventually told. The contest was put beyond doubt in the 77th minute when 17-year-old Ibrahima Mbaye burst through the Sudanese defence and rifled a stunning finish into the top corner to seal the victory.
Pape Gueye was deservedly named Player of the Match after a commanding midfield performance that combined goals, control and leadership at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Senegal will now face the winner of Tunisia vs Mali in the quarterfinals on January 9, as their title defence continues to gather momentum. Sudan, meanwhile, exit the competition with pride after a spirited campaign that earned admiration across the continent.
