Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye scored 4 minutes after coming off the bench to clinch a 3-1 victory for Senegal over Sudan in Tangiers on Saturday within the first Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain ahead represented France at age-limit ranges earlier than switching his worldwide allegiance to Senegal, the place his father was born.
Former champions Senegal will face Mali or Tunisia, who meet in Casablanca afterward Saturday, within the quarter-finals.
Rattled by an early Aamir Abdallah objective for Sudan, Senegal recovered to guide 2-1 at half-time by a Pape Gueye brace. Mbaye then put the result past doubt after 77 minutes.
It was predicable consequence as Senegal are 99 locations greater on the planet rankings than Sudan, who had been representing a rustic ravaged by civil battle since April 2023.
Senegal made six adjustments to the crew that began a 3-0 win over Botswana of their closing group match. A notable absentee was suspended captain and centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Ghana-born Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah retained solely one of many crew that started a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso — ahead Abdallah.
It was the primary assembly of the nations at an AFCON match. They had been in the identical 2026 World Cup qualifying group, although, with Senegal profitable at dwelling and drawing away.
Sudan rocked Senegal by taking a sixth-minute lead by Abdallah, a semi-professional who performs for an Australian second-tier membership in Melbourne.
It was an excellent objective because the Sudan striker took possession simply inside the realm and curled the ball over former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and into the web.
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Ismaila Sarr unfortunate
Sudan had certified for the knockout stage as among the best 4 third-placed nations regardless of failing to attain in three group matches. An personal objective introduced victory over Equatorial Guinea.
A courageous save from Monged Abuzaid on 29 minutes foiled Nicolas Jackson, who’s on mortgage to Bayern Munich from Chelsea, however Senegal equalised virtually instantly.
Former African participant of the 12 months Sadio Mane arrange Pape Gueye, who equalised with a low shot into the nook of the web.
Senegal had been attacking constantly whereas Sudan had little to supply going ahead in a match watched by Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe from South Africa.
The Mauritanian referee pointed to the penalty spot after Ismaila Sarr was fouled by Abuzaid. Nevertheless, the choice was reversed after an extended VAR overview revealed a Senegalese was offside within the build-up.
Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace then scored solely to be dominated offside in one other let-off for the Sudanese.
Abuzaid was consistently in motion and did nicely to push away a Pape Gueye shot with an outstretched proper hand as half-time approached.
There was nonetheless time for Pape Gueye to attain once more, nonetheless, and provides Senegal a half-time benefit within the Mediterranean metropolis.
The objective was brilliantly executed by the midfielder from La Liga membership Villarreal three minutes into added time. He used his left foot to side-foot a cross into the web previous Abuzaid.
Senegal launched Mbaye halfway by the second half as they sought the insurance coverage of a 3rd objective. He made a right away affect, latching on to an extended move and beating Abuzaid at his close to submit.
AFP
