Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye struck just four minutes after coming off the bench as Senegal secured a 3–1 victory over Sudan in Tangiers on Saturday, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, who previously represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Senegal, made an instant impact by putting the result beyond doubt late in the contest.
Mbaye is eligible for Senegal through his father, and his goal capped a dominant display by the former African champions.
Senegal will now face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals, with the two sides scheduled to clash later on Saturday in Casablanca.
The match began with a shock as Sudan took an early lead through Aamir Abdallah in the sixth minute. However, Senegal responded with authority, overturning the deficit before half-time thanks to a brace from Pape Gueye. Mbaye then added the third goal after 77 minutes to confirm Senegal’s progression.
Despite the upset opening, the outcome largely reflected expectations, with Senegal ranked 99 places above Sudan in the FIFA standings. Sudan are representing a nation that has been gripped by civil war since April 2023, making their run to the knockout stage one of the tournament’s more remarkable stories.
Senegal coach Aliou Cissé made six changes from the side that defeated Botswana 3–0 in their final group match. Suspended captain and central defender Kalidou Koulibaly was among the notable absentees. Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah, who was born in Ghana, retained only Aamir Abdallah from the team that lost 2–0 to Burkina Faso in their previous outing.
This was the first time both countries met at an AFCON tournament, although they have faced each other in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Senegal winning at home and drawing away.
Sudan stunned Senegal early on when Abdallah, a semi-professional footballer playing in Australia’s second tier in Melbourne, collected the ball inside the box and curled a superb effort over goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into the net.
Senegal gradually asserted control, pressing relentlessly as Sudan struggled to offer much going forward. A strong save by Monged Abuzaid denied Nicolas Jackson midway through the first half, but the pressure soon told. Sadio Mane provided the assist as Pape Gueye fired a low shot into the corner to level the scores.
The match, watched by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, saw several dramatic moments. A penalty initially awarded to Senegal for a foul on Ismaila Sarr was overturned following a lengthy VAR review for offside in the build-up. Sarr later found the net himself, only for the goal to be disallowed, offering Sudan further respite.
Abuzaid was kept busy throughout, producing a series of saves, including a fine stop from Gueye shortly before the interval. However, the Villarreal midfielder struck again deep into added time, side-footing a cross into the net to give Senegal a deserved 2–1 lead at the break.
Seeking security in the second half, Senegal introduced Mbaye, and the teenager delivered almost immediately. He latched onto a long pass and beat Abuzaid at the near post, sealing victory and confirming Senegal’s place in the last eight.
What you should know
Senegal have advanced to the AFCON quarter-finals after defeating Sudan 3–1 in Tangiers, with teenager Ibrahim Mbaye scoring shortly after coming on.
Pape Gueye’s first-half brace overturned an early Sudan lead, while Mbaye’s late strike sealed the win.
The victory reflects Senegal’s status as former champions and one of the tournament favourites. Sudan, despite bowing out, earned praise for reaching the knockout stage amid difficult circumstances at home.
Senegal will now face either Mali or Tunisia as they continue their bid for continental glory.
