Pape Gueye spoke with pride about Senegal’s character after his brace led the defending champions to a 3–1 comeback win over Sudan and into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals in Tangier.
The midfielder, who was later named Man of the Match, turned the tie around after Aamir Abdallah’s early strike had briefly put Sudan in control.
“I am happy to have won the award and obviously it was the collective team effort that led to the award so this is for the entire team,” Gueye said, stressing that personal recognition means little without the group’s success. He highlighted how Senegal reacted to going behind so early, explaining that “it was tough to come back but with the determination shown by my colleagues and I we managed to win the game”.
Looking ahead, Gueye warned that the hardest part of the tournament still lies in front of Senegal.
“We are through to the quarter-finals and it will be tougher so we have to prepare for it with the same big focus we have had since the start of the competition,” he added, underlining the mindset he believes the Lions of Teranga must keep to defend their crown.
