Sadio Mane leads Senegal into AFCON quarterfinals

Sadio Mane produced a commanding performance to guide defending champions Senegal into the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3–1 win over Sudan in Tangier on Saturday.

Leading by example in the absence of suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Mane pressed relentlessly and created key openings, setting up two goals as the Lions of Teranga overturned an early setback to advance.

Senegal were stunned in the sixth minute when Aamir Abdallah gave Sudan the lead, but the favourites responded with composure. Mane teed up midfielder Pape Gueye for the equaliser in the 29th minute, before Gueye struck again just before half-time, this time assisted by Nicolas Jackson.

Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, introduced in the 74th minute, wrapped up the contest three minutes later after being set free by Mane on the counter-attack.

“We needed to dig deep,” said Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, after his side recovered from the early blow.

It proved to be the first and last goal scored by a Sudanese player in the tournament. Sudan’s only other success came via an own goal during their group-stage victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Despite elimination, Sudan drew praise for their spirited display. The team played all qualifying matches away from home amid a brutal war and humanitarian crisis in the country.

“I am sure the Sudanese people know that we came to this competition and proudly represented them,” Sudan coach James Kwesi Appiah said.

Senegal will now face Mali in the quarterfinals after the Eagles edged Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time in Casablanca.

Mali were reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute when Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a dangerous tackle, yet held firm through regulation and extra time. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to offset misses by Yves Bissouma and Dorgeles Nene.

Tunisia had appeared set for victory when Firas Chaouat headed in during the 88th minute, but Yassine Meriah conceded a stoppage-time penalty, which Lassine Sinayoko converted to force extra time. Sinayoko also scored in the shootout before El Bilal Touré sealed the win.

The Senegal–Mali quarterfinal is scheduled to be played in Tangier on January 9.