On January 03, 2026, Senegal showed why they are still one of the favorites at AFCON 2025. They beat Sudan 3-1 in the Round of 16, coming from behind after an early scare. A first-half brace from Pape Gueye flipped the match, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye — the Paris Saint-Germain talent — scored the third to send the Lions into the quarterfinals. Sadio Mane was the creator, laying on the key passes and adding to his assist record.

This was a test of calm and quality after Sudan landed the first punch. Senegal answered with control, with stars stepping up in the moments that mattered most. It was a mature, tournament-style win — the type strong teams need during knockout football.

AFCON 2025 Round of 16: How Senegal flipped the script

Sudan started brave and sharp. They took the lead and looked ready to make it a fight. For a few minutes, Senegal had to settle the ball and slow the rush. They did just that. By keeping passes simple and using their width, they began to push Sudan back and find spaces.

The equalizer changed the mood. It came from the boot of Pape Gueye, whose timing from midfield was perfect all night. Once level, Senegal raised the tempo. They pushed Sudan into their box and created a string of half-chances. The second goal felt close — and Gueye delivered it before the half. At 2-1, the game belonged to the Lions.

“Gueye turned the tide when it mattered most.”

Pape Gueye’s brace: Composure, timing, and a leader’s touch

Gueye’s two goals were not wild hits. They were clean, controlled finishes — the kind that calm a team down and punish mistakes. His first brought Senegal back level; his second, side-footed with confidence, gave them the lead before the break. In tournament play, this type of cool finishing from midfield is gold.

It was more than goals, too. Gueye read the rhythm. He arrived late in the box when Sudan’s defense was focused on the forwards, and he chose the right moments to shoot. That sense of timing is a big reason his brace became the turning point of this match.

Ibrahim Mbaye, 17, seals it: A fearless finish and a big stage moment

With Sudan pushing late, Senegal needed one more moment to close the door. It came from Ibrahim Mbaye, the 17-year-old PSG forward. He kept his head, took his chance, and finished with real class to make it 3-1. For a teenager, this was a brave, special moment.

Young players can freeze in knockout football. Mbaye didn’t. He looked ready for the moment and struck like a seasoned pro. This goal will boost his confidence and give Senegal another spark in attack for the rest of the tournament.

“Seventeen and fearless — Mbaye might be Senegal’s next big thing.”

Sadio Mane the creator: Assists and a growing tally

Sadio Mane did what elite leaders do: he made the players around him better. He set up the goals with smart, simple service — the right pass at the right time. Reports say he extended his record with those assists, a reminder of how much he still drives this team.

Not every star needs to score to be the hero. Mane’s movement dragged markers out of position. His quick touches opened lanes for runners like Gueye and Mbaye. In a game that could have slipped away after the early goal, Mane’s steady hand kept Senegal in control.

What this win tells us about Senegal’s AFCON 2025 push

This match showed key traits of a title contender:

• Resilience: They stayed calm after going behind and stuck to the plan.
• Big moments: Gueye’s brace before halftime changed everything.
• Squad depth: A 17-year-old came off the bench (or stepped up) and sealed it.
• Star power: Mane’s assists were the thread tying the attack together.

AFCON knockout games are often about managing the minutes after a setback. Senegal did that well. They shifted the ball, used their wing play, and trusted their finishers. When the chance came, they did not waste it.

Respect for Sudan: A bright start and a brave effort

Sudan deserve credit for the way they started. They were sharp from the whistle and took their goal well. They forced Senegal to respond, and for a while they made the favorites uncomfortable. In the end, Senegal’s experience told, but Sudan showed they can compete on this stage.

“If Mane keeps feeding chances like this, who stops Senegal?”

What’s next: Quarterfinals and a growing sense of belief

With this 3-1 win, Senegal move into the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals. The bracket will only get tougher from here, but this is the sort of performance that builds belief. A team that can chase a game, then close it out with poise, is a team no one wants to face.

For coach and players, there are more gears to find. But the core is strong: Gueye in midfield with a scorer’s calm, Mbaye bringing fearless energy, and Mane creating with class. Add the team’s overall balance, and the Lions remain exactly what they looked like before the tournament — real contenders.

Match snapshot: The story in short

Senegal were hit early but did not panic. Pape Gueye answered, then struck again before halftime. From there, they managed the pace, picked their moments, and waited for the opening to finish the job. Ibrahim Mbaye took it. Sadio Mane’s assists linked it all together. Final score: Senegal 3-1 Sudan.

It was direct, smart, and decisive — the kind of knockout win that says as much about mindset as it does about talent. Senegal march on. The quarterfinals await.