Midfielder’s Brace Overcomes Stubborn Sudan, Extending Unbeaten Run and Setting Up Clash with Mali or Tunisia
Pape Gueye scored two crucial goals to lead Senegal to a 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan on Saturday, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals and extending their unbeaten streak against the Falcons to eight matches.
The match began with a stunning twist as Sudan, who hadn’t scored a single goal from open play in the group stage, took a shock lead just six minutes in. Aamir Abdallah created space on the edge of the box and curled a beautiful finish past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, leaving the favorites momentarily stunned.
Senegal, known as the Lions of Teranga, gradually wrestled back control, but found Sudan’s goalkeeper Monged Elneel in inspired form. The breakthrough finally came before halftime when Gueye, the Olympique Marseille midfielder, fired a low shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner to equalize. He then completed his brace deep into first-half stoppage time with another composed finish, sending his team into the break with a 2-1 lead.
“We knew it would be a tough match, but the team showed great spirit to turn it around,” said Senegal coach Aliou Cissé.
The second half saw Senegal tighten their grip. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the victory just three minutes after entering the fray, sprinting onto a through ball from Sadio Mané and slotting home at the near post to make it 3-1.
Despite a valiant effort, Sudan couldn’t muster another comeback, and their tournament journey ends after a spirited performance. Senegal, meanwhile, marches on, extending their unbeaten run in competitive matches to nine. They will now await the winner of the Mali vs. Tunisia clash in the quarterfinals, their sights firmly set on another deep run in the tournament.
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