Senegal staged a thrilling recovery to overcome Sudan 3–1 in Tangier, while Mali held their nerve to defeat Tunisia on penalties, as both sides booked their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Senegal found themselves on the back foot just six minutes into the match when Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah capitalised on a swift counter-attack, curling a superb effort past Edouard Mendy. Yet the Lions of Teranga responded with characteristic composure, with Pape Gueye emerging as the hero. Gueye netted twice in the first half, first finishing off a slick move orchestrated by Sadio Mané and later curling in a precise effort from Nicolas Jackson’s cut-back deep into stoppage time. Substitute Ibrahima Mbaye wrapped up the win in the 77th minute, again assisted by Mané, as Senegal confirmed their growing dominance at the tournament.
Mané’s contributions further cemented his legacy at AFCON, moving him clear as the competition’s all-time leading assist provider with nine. Sudan’s brief post-break pressure was repeatedly neutralised by Senegal’s disciplined defence and Mendy’s sharp reflexes.
Meanwhile, Mali endured a nerve-jangling encounter with Tunisia that required penalties after a 1–1 draw through extra time. Tunisia had taken a late lead in the 88th minute via Firat Chaouat’s towering header, only for Lassine Sinayoko to calmly convert a stoppage-time penalty to force extra time. The match had been complicated for Mali by Wayo Coulibaly’s early red card, while Tunisia lost defender Dylan Bronn to injury in the opening stages.
Despite being a man down, Mali kept their shape, frustrated Tunisia’s attacks, and ultimately triumphed 3–2 in the shoot-out, with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra making key saves. “We stayed united, followed the coach’s instructions and fought until the end,” Diarra said. “When it went to penalties, we believed it was our moment.”
The quarter-finals now promise an enticing clash as Mali prepare to face Senegal, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest between two of West Africa’s finest sides at AFCON 2025.
