Pape Gueye Brace Inspires Comeback Victory for Teranga Lions.

Senegal vs Sudan AFCON 2025

The Senegal national team kicked off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Sudan in the Round of 16 on January 3, 2026, at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco.

Despite conceding a stunning early goal to Aamir Abdallah in the 6th minute, the Teranga Lions responded brilliantly, with midfielder Pape Gueye scoring twice – in the 29th and 45+3rd minutes – to flip the script before halftime. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 77th minute.

Sudan, making their first knockout appearance since 2012 after a resilient group stage, showed great spirit but couldn’t find an equalizer, with their valiant effort ending in elimination.

The 2021 champions, who topped Group D unbeaten, now advance to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of Mali vs Tunisia. Stars like Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson contributed to the dominant performance, underscoring Senegal’s title credentials.

This result marks Senegal’s strong start to the knockouts as they chase a second AFCON crown.