Senegal’s quest to reclaim their Africa Cup of Nations crown is still alive and kicking after a thrilling 3-1 comeback win over Sudan in the Round of 16 on January 3, 2026. Played at the atmospheric Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, the match brought together two sides with very different histories and expectations—but it was the Teranga Lions who ultimately roared loudest, booking a spot in the quarterfinals in front of 30,045 passionate fans.
For the underdog Sudanese, this was a night of hope and heartbreak. Making only their second appearance in the AFCON knockout stages since their 1970 championship, Sudan arrived with a point to prove. Their journey had already captured imaginations back home, especially given the backdrop of ongoing civil strife. But facing the reigning 2021 champions, few gave them a real shot. Would the Falcons of Jediane pull off one of the tournament’s biggest shocks?
Early on, it looked like they just might. Barely six minutes had ticked by when Aamir Abdallah produced a moment of magic, cutting in from the right and curling a stunning left-footed strike past Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The stadium buzzed with excitement as Sudan’s small but vocal contingent dared to dream of an upset. According to BBC Sport, "Abdallah’s opener was a strike worthy of the big stage." Mendy, who would later prove pivotal, had no chance on this one.
Senegal, who had topped Group D with two wins and a draw, suddenly found themselves on the back foot. Their fans, scattered in pockets of color around the 75,600-seater stadium, kept up a relentless cacophony of drums and chants, urging their team forward. The Teranga Lions responded, gradually settling into their rhythm and probing for weaknesses in Sudan’s defense.
The equalizer arrived just before the half-hour mark. Sadio Mane, ever the orchestrator, shifted play to the right and delivered a precise pull-back. Pape Gueye, finding space on the edge of the penalty area, stroked home an 18-yard finish to level the scores. That goal seemed to flip a switch for Senegal. As described by VAVEL, "Senegal’s GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAL—the game is now tied thanks to Pape Gueye’s great shot, and both teams gave it their all to try and equalize."
Moments later, the drama intensified. Ismaila Sarr raced in behind Sudan’s defense and was brought down by goalkeeper Monged Elneel. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, but after a lengthy VAR review, the offside flag was upheld and the penalty was overturned. Not long after, Sarr had another effort chalked off for offside. The momentum, though, was firmly with Senegal.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Gueye struck again. This time, he side-footed high past Elneel from 16 yards out, capping a slick Senegalese move down the right. VAR was called upon once more to confirm Sarr’s onside position in the build-up, and the goal stood. As the halftime whistle blew, Senegal led 2-1, having turned the match around in dramatic fashion.
The second half saw Sudan come out with renewed energy, but Mendy was equal to the task—making a fine save to deny right-back Sheddy Barglan early on. Injuries and fouls began to take their toll, with both Mendy and Krepin Diatta requiring treatment after a collision. Still, the Lions of Teranga managed the game well, rotating through a series of substitutions to keep their legs fresh and their defense tight.
Senegal’s depth was on full display in the 77th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye, just 17 years old and making only his second international appearance since debuting in November, raced onto a through ball, shrugged off Sudan captain Bakhit Khamis, and fired high into the net from a tight angle. The teenage forward’s goal put the result beyond doubt and gave fans a tantalizing glimpse of the team’s future. "Mbaye gives glimpse of the future," noted BBC Sport, highlighting the young star’s composure under pressure.
Despite trailing, Sudan never gave up. They pressed forward, forcing another save from Mendy and nearly finding a late consolation through Al Gozoli Nooh, only to be denied by a brave last-ditch tackle from Diatta. But as the minutes ticked by and seven minutes of stoppage time were added, it became clear that Senegal’s experience and quality would carry the day.
The final whistle brought scenes of celebration for Senegal and reflection for Sudan. The Teranga Lions had come from behind to win 3-1 and secure a quarterfinal showdown with Mali, who had beaten Tunisia on penalties earlier in the day. For Senegal, the victory was a testament to their resilience, depth, and championship pedigree. For Sudan, it was the end of a stirring run that had inspired a nation—a reminder that, even in defeat, there is honor in the fight.
Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, opted not to risk Iliman Ndiaye, who was named on the bench after an ankle injury scare. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly was suspended, but the team’s strength in depth more than compensated for his absence. The starting XI featured Mendy in goal, with Jakobs, Niakhaté, Seck, and Diatta forming the defensive line; P. Gueye and I. Gueye anchored the midfield; while Diarra, Mane, Jackson, and Sarr led the attack. Sudan countered with Elneel in goal, Awad, Saeed Ahmed, Karshom, and Khamis at the back, Taifour and Alhassan Omer in midfield, and a forward line of Nooh, Eisa, and Abdelrahman.
Broadcast to fans around the globe, the match was available on beIN SPORTS, fuboTV, and 4seven, ensuring that supporters from the United States to the UK and Canada could witness the drama unfold in real time.
As the dust settles in Tangier, Senegal’s journey continues. With Mali up next in the quarterfinals on January 9, the Teranga Lions have their eyes firmly on another title. For Sudan, the tournament ends, but their spirited campaign—marked by resilience, unity, and flashes of brilliance—will not soon be forgotten.