Pape Gueye scored twice as Senegal came from behind to beat Sudan 3-1 and reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Teranga lions were stunned early on when Aamir Abdallah gave Sudan a shock lead inside six minutes, curling a fine effort past Édouard Mendy after creating space on the edge of the box.
Senegal responded with urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser as Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané both went close. Sudan remained competitive and threatened again through Mohamed Eisa, forcing Mendy into action.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Gueye struck from the edge of the area to bring the Lions of Teranga level. Senegal thought they had turned the game fully in their favour soon after, but Sarr saw a goal ruled out and a penalty appeal dismissed for offside.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Gueye struck again, applying a composed finish to send Senegal into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Sudan attempted to repeat their fast start after the interval but struggled to break through a Senegal side that increasingly took control. Their task became harder when Mustafa Karshom was forced off through injury.
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Senegal wasted several chances to extend their advantage before substitute Ibrahim Mbaye made the result safe, racing onto Mané’s pass and beating Monged Elneel at his near post just three minutes after coming on.
Krépin Diatta later saw red for a late challenge, but it did little to alter the outcome as Senegal saw out the closing stages comfortably.
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The win extends Senegal’s unbeaten run to nine competitive matches and sets up a quarter-final meeting with either Mali or Tunisia, while Sudan exit the tournament after a spirited display.
