Senegal came from behind to defeat Sudan 3-1 on Saturday, while 10-man Mali triumphed over Tunisia in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, securing both West African nations a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.
Champions in 2022, Senegal demonstrated their credentials as favourites to challenge hosts Morocco for the continental crown. Sudan, ranked almost 100 places below Senegal, had already made history by reaching the knockout stage for only the second time since their 1970 triumph, despite nearly three years of civil unrest.
Sudan stunned Senegal early when semi-professional Aamir Abdallah, who plays for a second-tier club in Melbourne, curled in a superb opener. However, Senegal, who earned four points from two meetings with Sudan during 2026 World Cup qualifying, hit back before half-time.
Sadio Mane, the former African Player of the Year, assisted Villarreal’s Pape Gueye to equalise just before the half-hour mark, and Gueye struck again in stoppage time of the first half to put Senegal 2-1 up. Ibrahim Mbaye, the Paris Saint-Germain teenager, sealed the 3-1 victory in the 77th minute with a composed finish at the near post.
“We showed against Congo that we are capable of coming from behind in a game and that is what we did tonight, so we are very happy,” Gueye said. “It means a lot. It shows how good the spirit in the camp is. It was a very difficult match. We played against Sudan before and they made life hard for us. But we managed to keep our focus and score when the chances came along.”
Senegal will now remain in Tangiers to face their West African neighbours Mali in the quarter-finals next Friday.
Mali Edge Tunisia in Shoot-Out Drama
Earlier in Casablanca, Mali overcame Tunisia 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following 90 minutes and extra time. Full-back Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute for a reckless challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, leaving Mali to play almost the entire match with ten men.
Tunisia looked set to win when substitute Firas Chaouat headed them into the lead in the 88th minute, but Mali were rescued by Lassine Sinayoko’s penalty in the 96th minute after a handball, forcing extra time. With no further goals scored, the match went to penalties.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma missed their first kick, but saves by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra denied Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Bem Romdhane for Tunisia. El Bilal Toure, who had missed a penalty in the group stage, then calmly converted to send Mali through.
“Before the game I said my team were already heroes and now there is no other word after we played for so long with 10 men,” Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said. “Every player fought for their country and did everything to stay in this competition.”
The last-16 action continues on Sunday in Rabat, with hosts Morocco taking on Tanzania, appearing in the AFCON knockout stage for the first time, followed by South Africa facing five-time champions Cameroon.
Senegal and Mali now set up a tantalising West African clash in the quarter-finals, promising more drama in Morocco as the continent’s finest vie for the 2026 AFCON crown.
