Pape Gueye delivered a memorable performance on Saturday afternoon as Senegal produced a spirited comeback to defeat Sudan 3-1 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder scored twice in a dominant display that overturned an early deficit and reaffirmed Senegal’s status as one of the tournament’s strong contenders.
Sudan made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Aamir Abdallah, who unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top left corner, leaving the Senegal goalkeeper with no chance. The early goal stunned Senegal and briefly handed Sudan the momentum.
Senegal gradually settled into the game and found their equaliser in the 29th minute. Sadio Mané picked out Pape Gueye on the edge of the box, and the midfielder responded with a composed finish into the bottom right corner to restore parity and shift the balance of the match.
Gueye struck again deep into first-half stoppage time to put Senegal ahead. This time, Nicolas Jackson provided the assist, slipping the ball to Gueye, who produced another fine effort from the edge of the area, curling it into the top left corner to give his side a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
Sudan pushed for a response in the second half, but Senegal remained in control and sealed the victory in the 77th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye showed great composure inside the box, creating space for himself after a well-weighted pass before finishing confidently into the top right corner to make it 3-1.
In the quarter-finals, Senegal will face the winner of the Round 16 tie between Mali and Tunisia on Sunday.
