Senegal secured their place in the quarter- finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan, while Tunisia were eliminated following a penalty shootout loss to Mali.
In Tangier, Senegal overcame an early setback to defeat Sudan 3-1. Sudan took a surprising lead in the 6th minute through Aamir Abdallah’s left-footed strike. However, Senegal responded with two goals from Pape Gueye before halftime, assisted by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Seventeen-year-old Ibrahima Mbaye added a third goal in the 77th minute, becoming the second-youngest scorer in tournament history.
Mali 1–1 Tunisia (Mali win 3–2 on penalties): Ten-Man Mali Triumph
In Casablanca, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic match against Tunisia. Reduced to ten men in the 26th minute due to Woyo Coulibaly’s red card for a dangerous challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, Mali conceded a goal in the 88th minute to Firas Chaouat. However, they equalized in stoppage time with a penalty converted by Lassine Sinayoko after Yassine Meriah handled the ball in the box. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made two crucial saves, securing a 3-2 victory.
Notably, Mali has not won any of their matches in regulation time during the tournament, drawing all three group-stage games and the Round of 16 match against Tunisia.
Senegal will face Mali in the quarter-finals on January 9 in Tangier.
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