AFCON 2025: Diarra's penalty heroics lift Mali, Gueye fires Senegal into Quarters

Senegal and Mali booked their places in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on Saturday, setting up an all–West African showdown after contrasting but dramatic victories over Sudan and Tunisia respectively.

Former champions Senegal came from behind to defeat Sudan 3-1 in Tangier, with Pape Gueye scoring twice and substitute Ibrahima Mbaye sealing the win late on.

Sudan had stunned the Teranga Lions early when Aamir Abdellah curled home a brilliant counter-attacking goal in the sixth minute.

Senegal responded with authority and drew level in the 29th minute as Gueye finished calmly after Sadio Mané won possession in midfield.

The turnaround was completed deep into first-half stoppage time when Gueye struck again, curling a fine effort into the corner following a cut-back from Nicolas Jackson.

Sudan threatened briefly after the break, but Edouard Mendy produced a crucial save to deny Sheddy Barglan.

Senegal then took full control, and Mbaye put the result beyond doubt in the 77th minute, firing home after another incisive assist from Mané.

The Senegal captain’s two assists took him to nine for his AFCON career, making him the tournament’s all-time leading assist provider.

Earlier in Casablanca, Mali edged Tunisia in a tense encounter that finished 1-1 after extra time before the Eagles prevailed 3-2 on penalties.

The match was marked by physical intensity, with Mali reduced to ten men in the 27th minute following Wayo Coulibaly’s red card.

Tunisia finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when Firat

Photos

• Senegal vs Sudan

• Mali vs Tunisia