Senegal continued their quest to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday as they came from behind to beat Sudan in the round of 16. The match was the Lions’ to lose as they faced Sudan, making their debut in the AFCON knockout stages, and they did stumble in the early stages as Aamir Abdallah opened the scoring after just six minutes, bending a lovely strike well beyond the reach of Edouard Mendy. But Senegal did not trail for long, quickly coming back as Pape Gueye levelled the score and put the Lions of Teranga back in front deep in first-half stoppage time.
Sudan made a similarly fast start to the second-half but could not replicate their heroics from the first despite forcing a pair of strong saves from Mendy. Senegal righted the ship and settled back into the affair, before Ibrahim Mbaye sealed his nation’s progression by adding a late third.
A quarter-final meeting with either Mali or Tunisia awaits later this week. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated LIVE blog!
Senegal vs Sudan latest news
- GOAL! Mbaye kills it off
- GOAL! Papa Gueye at the double
- GOAL! Papa Gueye claws Senegal back level
- GOAL! Sudan take shock lead
- Senegal starting XI
- Sudan starting XI
FULL TIME: Senegal 3-1 Sudan
18:02 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it! Senegal are into the AFCON quarter-finals.
Senegal 3-1 Sudan
18:00 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: Mbaye sizes up a second of the evening, opting to go alone rather than play Dia in behind, and cops some criticism as his effort is blocked.
Senegal 3-1 Sudan
17:55 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Another seven minutes of injury time are added on.
Senegal 3-1 Sudan
17:53 , Arthur Ferridge87mins: Mendy and Diatta both require treatment after coming together in smothering a Sudan chance.
Senegal 3-1 Sudan
17:45 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: It should have been another for Mbaye! He rises highest to get on the end of Diouf’s cross, but heads over.
GOAL! Senegal 3-1 Sudan
17:43 , Arthur Ferridge78mins: That seals it! Moments after coming on, Mbaye streaks away and fires home emphatically at the near post to extend Senegal’s lead late on.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:38 , Arthur Ferridge74mins: Senegal are looking to kill this one off. Diarra and Sarr are replaced by Camarra and Mbaye.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:36 , Arthur Ferridge70mins: Barglan is booked for a very clumsy challenge on Diouf. The West Ham man cut across his Sudanese marker as he tracked a high ball, and Barglan tripped him cynically.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:34 , Arthur Ferridge69mins: A lot of the energy has come out of this match, in spite of the raft of subs. Sudan have been pretty spirited for long stretches and still only trail by one as we approach the final 20 minutes. It is anyone’s game.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:28 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: A smart move from Senegal sees Sarr tee Dia up for a shooting chance, and he lashes one narrowly wide. Senegal are starting to tighten their grip on this match, now.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:26 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Changes afoot for Sudan, now, as Karshoum is replaced by Abdulrazzaq.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:21 , Arthur Ferridge56mins: Malick Diouf’s first involvement is to take a corner, which does not reach it’s intended target as Senegal are penalised for a foul in the box.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:18 , Arthur Ferridge53mins: Jackson and Jakobs are hooked in favour of Boulaye Dia and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:16 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Despite going behind in first-half injury time, Sudan look remarkably lively in the early stages of this second half. This will likely be a case of Senegal needing to weather a storm as they look to protect their lead.
Sudan have a corner, though...
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:15 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: Jackson goes into the book for a cynical trip on Abdalla.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:13 , Arthur Ferridge48mins: Mendy gets down quickly to deny Barglan from close range. That was a huge chance for Sudan!
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:12 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: Afters between Mustafa and Diarra after the latter caught Abdulrahman with a clumsy tackle. Everyone shakes hands and makes up, though, and we play on.
2ND HALF: Senegal 2-1 Sudan
17:10 , Arthur FerridgeBack underway!
HALF TIME: Senegal 2-1 Sudan
16:53 , Arthur FerridgeThere’s the whistle!
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
16:53 , Arthur Ferridge45+6mins: Abdallah has another go from range and he strikes his curling effort with some power, but it flies well wide of Mendy’s goal.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
16:50 , Arthur Ferridge45+5mins: The goal stands after a brief VAR check despite Sarr appearing to have strayed offside in the build-up.
Senegal 2-1 Sudan
16:49 , Arthur FerridgeJackson latched onto an over-hit cross from Sarr and pulled it back for Gueye to strike. He strokes it into the top-left corner - classy finish.
GOAL! Senegal 2-1 Sudan
16:48 , Arthur Ferridge45+3mins: Papa Gueye does it again, and Senegal will lead at the break!
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:46 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Gueye sees another effort saved and the rebound falls to Diarra via Mane. His follow-up effort goes behind for a corner. Senegal plain in their intent to lead at the break.
As the fourth official announces seven minutes of added time, Senegal’s corner is headed safely into the hands of Abuzaid.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:43 , Arthur Ferridge43mins: Senegal have it in the back of the net again through Ismaila Sarr, who is having a very lively first half, but he was quite clearly offside.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:42 , Arthur Ferridge42mins: Ismaila Sarr is played in again but Abuzaid is quick off his line and beats him to it. He claims the ball without taking out the man, this time.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:39 , Arthur Ferridge39mins: After all of that, the final decision is... offside.
As you were, folks. Play on.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:38 , Arthur FerridgeIt’ll be a stonewall penalty, but the question is whether Sarr was onside when Mane played him in behind.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:37 , Arthur Ferridge38mins: VAR check continuing...
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:37 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: There’s a bit of a scrum around the referee here as VAR check the penalty shout one more time...
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:36 , Arthur Ferridge36mins: Mane plays Ismaila Sarr in behind and he is cleaned out by the Sudan ‘keeper. The referee points to the spot... but the offside flag is up!
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:34 , Arthur Ferridge34mins: Mane finds Papa Gueye in the middle again and he does well to bring the ball down, but he swings and misses as he attempts to volley goalwards.
Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:32 , Arthur Ferridge31mins: That is really a blow for Sudan, who had a couple of great opportunities to extend their lead but now find the match back level.
Senegal show no signs of slowing, either. This could soon turn into a grim afternoon for the Falcons.
GOAL! Senegal 1-1 Sudan
16:30 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: Senegal have their equaliser! Mane wins it in midfield and tees up Papa Gueye to fire it home from the edge of the area.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:29 , Arthur Ferridge29mins: HUGE SAVE! Senegal work the ball to Jackson in the middle of the box and he shoots from close range, but Abuzaid is quick off his line to produce a wonderful stop!
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:28 , Arthur Ferridge28mins: Gueye tees up Niakhite for a shot from the edge of the area, but his effort is along the floor and coolly into the hands of Abuzaid.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:26 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Ex-MK Dons striker Eisa spearheads another Sudan attack and he forces a good save from Mendy with a well-hit shot across goal. They look more likely to double their lead than Senegal do to equalise at the moment...
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:23 , Arthur Ferridge22mins: The free-kick is whipped in smartly and headed back across the box, but Sudan get the clear their lines before it can reach Jackson.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:21 , Arthur Ferridge21mins: Sudan’s Taifour comes off with a head injury as Senegal size up this free-kick.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:19 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Diarra is down at the corner of the penalty area now, and Senegal have another presentable set-piece on the cards.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:15 , Arthur Ferridge15mins: Abdallah is back to his feet and Sudan attack apace. The goalscorer looks to make it a brace, but fires over. Senegal really seem to be missing Koulibaly.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:14 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: Jakobs goes into the book after catching the goalscorer Abdullah late.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:12 , Arthur Ferridge12mins: Mane goes alone, and Abuzaid makes a comfortable stop. Sudan’s lead remains.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:11 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: Mane goes down at the byline on the left side of the Sudan box, and Senegal have a very tempting free-kick...
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:09 , Arthur Ferridge9mins: It is no secret that Senegal have exponentially more firepower than Sudan, but this will be a massive test of their willpower. They will require a quick response after going behind early doors.
Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:08 , Arthur Ferridge7mins: That is Sudan’s first goal of the tournament. Their only group stage point came by way of an own goal.
GOAL! Senegal 0-1 Sudan
16:06 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: SUDAN LEAD! Aamir Abdallah opens the scoring with a scorcher, and the Lions of Teranga are stunned!
Senegal 0-0 Sudan
16:05 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: A first attack from Senegal as Sadio Mane gets free and streaks into the box. He shoots from a tight angle and lashes it high and wide, despite having Jackson patiently waiting in the middle.
Senegal 0-0 Sudan
16:03 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Senegal enjoy most of the early possession but Sudan are the first to get the ball into the opposition box via a cross from Abdallah Yunis. Senegal deal with the threat comfortably, though.
Senegal 0-0 Sudan
16:01 , Arthur Ferridge1min: Mere seconds into the match, Abdalla hacks down Gueye and Senegal have a free kick a matter of meters from where they took the kick-off.
KICK-OFF! Senegal 0-0 Sudan
16:00 , Arthur FerridgeThis AFCON round of 16 tie is underway!
Senegal, dressed head to toe in green, take the kick-off. Sudan are in all white.
Anthems underway
15:55 , Arthur FerridgeThe squads have taken to the pitch... we will be underway shortly!
Team news reminder
15:50 , Arthur FerridgeTen minutes to kick-off now, here’s a reminder of the starting lineups.
Senegal starting XI: Mendy; Niakhate, Seck, Jakobs, Diatta, Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Diarra, Sarr, Mane, Jackson
Sudan starting XI: Monged, Abuaagla, Saeed, Waliedin, Mustafa, Abdelrhman, Bakhit, Tayfour, Mo Eisa, Sheddy, Ibrahim
Atmosphere building
15:47 , Arthur FerridgeThere’s a party mood in Tangier!
Eyes on Nicolas Jackson
15:45 , Arthur FerridgeNicolas Jackson made an acrimonious loan move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich this season, but how has he fared in Bavaria?
He has two goals in two AFCON appearances so far, but has only managed three in 12 Bundesliga outings for Bayern.
It remains to be seen whether the German giants will look to sign him on a permanent deal when his loan expires this summer.
Senegal XI
15:35 , Arthur FerridgeA quick look at the Senegal side in greater depth.
Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane join forces up top, with Idrissa Gana Gueye in behind and ex-Chelsea shot-stopper Edouard Mendy inbetween the sticks.
There is a wealth of strength on the bench, too, which features the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Mamadou Sarr, and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
SUDAN STARTING XI
15:26 , Arthur FerridgeHere’s the Sudan side for this afternoon.
Sudan starting XI: Monged, Abuaagla, Saeed, Waliedin, Mustafa, Abdelrhman, Bakhit, Tayfour, Mo Eisa, Sheddy, Ibrahim
Teams arrive at the Tangier Grand Stadium
15:15 , Arthur Ferridge
SENEGAL STARTING XI
15:07 , Arthur FerridgeHere’s how the Lions of Teranga shape up in Tangier.
Senegal starting XI: Mendy; Niakhate, Seck, Jakobs, Diatta, Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Diarra, Sarr, Mane, Jackson
Subs: Diouf, Diaw, Sarr, Mendy, Malick Diouf, Matar Sarr, Ciss, Camara, Dia, I. Ndiaye, C. Ndiaye, Mbaye, Diallo, Sabaly, Niang
Team news on the way
15:04 , Arthur FerridgeWe should know this afternoon’s starting XIs shortly...
Senegal vs Sudan head to head
14:53 , Arthur FerridgeThese two nations will be familiar with each other having been in the same World Cup qualification group and Senegal took four points off Sudan across the two meetings, conceding no goals in the process.
Senegal wins: 5
Sudan wins: 0
Draws: 2
Senegal results so far
14:43 , Arthur FerridgeSenegal topped their group, but it was not quite a perfect campaign as they dropped points to DR Congo.
Here are their AFCON results so far.
Senegal 3-0 Botswana
Senegal 1-1 DR Congo
Senegal 3-0 Benin
Looking ahead to the quarter-finals
14:33 , Arthur FerridgeThe winner of this afternoon’s tie will face either Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals.
Those two sides will face off at 7pm GMT today in Casablanca.
The winner of that quarter final, then, will face one of Egypt, Benin, Ivory Coast, or Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.
Stage set
14:23 , Arthur FerridgeToday’s match will be held at the Tangier Grand Stadium.
And, in all fairness, it does look pretty grand.
Sudan AFCON results so far
14:13 , Arthur FerridgeSudan struggled through the group stage, winning only once and progressing as one of the best third-place sides.
Here are their results so far...
Algeria 3-0 Sudan
Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Sudan
Burkina Faso 2-0 Sudan
Standard Sport prediction: Lions' game to lose
14:03 , Arthur FerridgeSudan should not pose too much of a threat to Senegal here. The Falcons were hammered 3-0 by Algeria in their opening game of the tournament and are quite fortunate to have progressed with a -4 goal difference.
Provided Sadio Mane and company remain professional, Senegal should avoid a shock to seal a quarter-final place.
Senegal to win 3-0.
Sudan early team news: One injury worry
13:54 , Arthur FerridgeSalaheldin Adil is Sudan’s one injury concern after being replaced late on in the 2-0 defeat against Burkina Faso.
They have already had to make do without Adil this tournament, though, as he was sent off against Algeria in matchday one.
Senegal early team news: Koulibaly suspended
13:46 , Arthur FerridgeThe big news from a Senegal perspective is captain Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended after being shown a straight red card in the 3-0 win over Benin.
Such is the strength of Pape Thiaw’s squad that there are several options to step in for the central defender, including Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr - who is on loan at Strasbourg.
Lamine Camara is a doubt after picking up a knock against Benin, but Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested for the final group game.
How to watch Senegal vs Sudan
13:38 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: Every match of the tournament will be broadcast across Channel 4’s network.
The game will be broadcast on 4seven, with coverage starting at 3.55pm GMT ahead of kick-off at 4pm.
Live stream: UK viewers will be able to stream the game on All 4.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog! You’re already here - don’t go anywhere.
Good afternoon
13:28 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Senegal vs Sudan in the AFCON round of 16!
It is time for a bit of knockout football in the Africa Cup of Nations, and this stage of the competition gets underway with something of a mismatch.
Senegal are widely tipped as tournament favourites, while Sudan won just one of their group stage matches.
The bookies can say what they want about the odds, but the Lins of Teranga must still get the job done inside 90 minutes here. Otherwise, the threat of extra-time and penalties looms!
Today’s affair will be underway at 4pm. Stick with us!
