Teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye made an instant impact off the bench as Senegal sealed a 3-1 win over Sudan in Tangiers on Saturday to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, who represented France at youth level before pledging his international future to his father’s homeland, needed just four minutes to score after being introduced, putting the result beyond Sudan’s reach.
Senegal had earlier been stunned by a sixth-minute opener from Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah, but the former champions responded with authority.
Midfielder Pape Gueye struck twice in the first half to turn the game around and send the Teranga Lions into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Despite missing suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly and making six changes from their final group-stage victory over Botswana, Senegal dominated large spells of the contest.
Their superiority was expected, given they sit 99 places above Sudan in the FIFA rankings, though the underdogs showed early courage.
Abdallah’s goal was a moment of quality, the semi-professional forward curling a fine effort over Edouard Mendy from inside the box. It was a rare highlight for Sudan, who progressed from the group stage without scoring from open play.
Senegal’s equaliser came when Sadio Mané teed up Pape Gueye, whose low drive found the corner.
The Villarreal midfielder then completed his brace deep into first-half stoppage time, expertly guiding in a cross with his left foot.
Sudan survived several scares after the break, including a disallowed penalty following a VAR review and an offside goal from Ismaila Sarr.
Goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid was kept busy with a series of important saves, but Senegal eventually found the third goal they craved.
Mbaye delivered it in style, racing onto a long pass and firing past Abuzaid at the near post to seal victory.
Senegal will now face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals, while Sudan exit the tournament after a spirited but ultimately outclassed performance in their first-ever AFCON meeting with the West Africans.
