Tangiers, Morocco – Senegal advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Sudan on Saturday. A late goal from 17-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the win for the Lions of Teranga in their round of 16 match, marking a significant moment for the young Paris Saint-Germain forward. This Africa Cup of Nations result sets the stage for a challenging quarter-final matchup.
The match, played at the Grand Stadium in Tangiers, saw Senegal overcome an early setback to dominate the second half. Sudan, competing amidst ongoing civil war, put up a spirited fight but ultimately succumbed to the superior ranking and depth of the Senegalese squad. The win continues Senegal’s strong performance in the tournament.
Senegal’s Victory Fueled by Youth and Resilience in the Africa Cup of Nations
Sudan surprised Senegal with an opening goal from Aamir Abdallah, briefly threatening an upset. However, Senegal quickly regrouped, responding with a brace from Pape Gueye before halftime to take a 2-1 lead. The team demonstrated composure after the early shock.
The introduction of Mbaye proved decisive. The teenager, who recently switched his international allegiance from France, scored just four minutes after entering the pitch, effectively ending Sudan’s hopes. This introduces an exciting new talent to the Senegalese national team.
Team Lineups and Key Absences
Senegal manager Aliou Cissé made six changes to the starting lineup from their 3-0 group stage win against Botswana. A notable exclusion was captain and center-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who was serving a suspension. This suggested Cissé was willing to rotate his squad, even in crucial knockout matches.
In contrast, Ghana-born Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah made minimal changes, retaining only Abdallah from the starting eleven that lost 2-0 to Burkina Faso. Appiah’s decision reflected a need for stability within a team facing considerable external challenges. The Sudanese team has been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict in their home country.
This was the first-ever Africa Cup of Nations encounter between Senegal and Sudan, though the nations had previously met during 2026 World Cup qualifying. Senegal won their home fixture in that qualifying campaign and drew the away match, foreshadowing their advantage in this tournament clash.
The difference in FIFA world rankings was stark, with Senegal sitting 99 places higher than Sudan. This disparity highlighted the challenges facing Sudan, who are navigating a difficult period both on and off the field. The impact of the civil war on Sudan’s football program is undeniable.
Senegal’s victory underscores their status as one of the tournament favorites. They are aiming to add to their previous Africa Cup of Nations title, won in 2022. Their strong squad and tactical flexibility make them a formidable opponent.
Looking ahead, Senegal will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals, a match scheduled to take place after their Saturday encounter. The outcome of that match will determine the specific challenges awaiting the Lions of Teranga as they progress further in the tournament. The competition is expected to become increasingly intense as the knockout stages continue.
The final stages of the tournament will reveal whether Senegal can capitalize on this momentum and contend for the championship. Their performance, along with the progress of other strong contenders, will be closely watched by football fans across the continent and beyond. The football tournament is set to conclude on February 11th, 2026.
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