Gueye Brace Powers Senegal Past Sudan into AFCON Quarter-Finals
Pape Gueye scored twice as Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 and book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Teranga Lions were shocked early when Aamir Abdallah put Sudan ahead inside six minutes, curling a fine shot past Édouard Mendy after finding space on the edge of the box.
Senegal responded quickly, pressing for an equaliser as Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané both came close. Sudan also showed attacking intent, with Mohamed Eisa forcing Mendy into a save.
The pressure finally told when Gueye fired in from outside the area to draw Senegal level. Senegal thought they had gone ahead soon after, but Sarr’s effort was ruled out for offside and a penalty appeal was waved away.
Just before the break, Gueye struck again, finishing calmly in stoppage time to give Senegal a 2-1 lead at half-time.
Sudan tried to start the second half strongly but found it difficult to break down a Senegal side growing in confidence. Their hopes were further dented when Mustafa Karshom was forced off with injury.
Senegal missed several chances to seal the game before substitute Ibrahim Mbaye made it 3-1, racing onto Mané’s pass and scoring at the near post just three minutes after coming on.
Krépin Diatta was later sent off for a late challenge, but it did not change the outcome as Senegal comfortably saw out the match.
The victory extends Senegal’s unbeaten run to nine competitive games and sets up a quarter-final clash with either Mali or Tunisia. Sudan, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament after a spirited performance.
