AFCON ends for Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan after Senegal comeback win

Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a commanding 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan, ending Kwesi Appiah’s side’s impressive run at the tournament.

Tangier, Morocco – January 3: Senegal’s Pape Alassane Gueye celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the match during the Africa Cup of Nations Round Of 16 match between Senegal and Sudan at Ibn Batouta Stadium on January 3, 2026, in Tangier, Morocco. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Sudan stunned the holders early at the Grand Stade de Tanger when Aamir Abdallah curled a brilliant effort past Edouard Mendy in the sixth minute to hand the Falcons a shock lead.

Sudan’s forward #26 Aamir Abdallah celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium in Tangiers on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP via Getty Images)

However, Aliou Cissé’s men responded with composure and authority. Midfielder Pape Gueye drew Senegal level in the 29th minute with a calm finish from the edge of the box before completing the turnaround in first-half stoppage time, side-footing home his second to put the champions firmly in control at the break.

Sudan’s midfielder #13 Ammar Taifour (C) fights for the ball with Senegal’s midfielder #07 Habib Diarra (L) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Senegal and Sudan at Grand Stadium in Tangiers on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite defending bravely in the second half, Sudan struggled to cope with Senegal’s sustained pressure. The contest was effectively settled 13 minutes from time when 17-year-old Ibrahima Mbaye burst through the defence and rifled a superb finish into the top corner to seal the win.

Gueye was named Player of the Match after a dominant midfield performance that combined goals, control, and leadership.

Senegal will face the winner of Tunisia vs Mali in the quarterfinals on January 9 as their title defence gathers pace, while Sudan bows out with pride after a spirited campaign that earned admiration across the continent.