Senegal were forced to dig deep in Tangier, but experience and composure eventually told as the Teranga Lions came from behind to defeat Cecafa representatives Sudan 3–1 and secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. What began as a potential upset ended with Senegal reasserting their authority, even as Sudan earned admiration for their fearless opening.

The match exploded into life early, with Sudan stunning the favourites inside the opening minutes. Aamir Abdallah Yunis found space inside the area and finished clinically, sending the Sudanese bench into celebration and momentarily silencing the Senegalese support. The early goal injected belief into Sudan’s play, and for a spell they matched Senegal stride for stride, pressing high and creating moments of genuine danger.

Senegal, however, gradually wrestled control. After weathering the early storm and surviving a few nervy moments, they began to impose their rhythm. Their pressure finally paid off just past the half-hour mark when Pape Gueye arrived late in the box to fire home the equaliser, restoring calm and swinging momentum decisively. Sudan continued to threaten on the break, but Senegal’s dominance became clearer as halftime approached.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, the turnaround was completed. Once again it was Pape Gueye, this time with a composed finish from close range, sending Senegal into the break with a 2–1 lead after trailing for much of the half. The goal proved pivotal, draining belief from Sudan while reinforcing Senegal’s growing control.

The second half followed a familiar pattern. Sudan fought bravely and continued to look for openings, but Senegal’s experience in managing knockout situations showed. Chances came and went at both ends, yet Senegal always looked the more likely to strike. That decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye produced a sharp finish inside the box to make it 3–1, effectively sealing the contest.

From there, Senegal saw out the remaining minutes with professionalism, absorbing late pressure and closing the game out in stoppage time to confirm their place in the last eight. Sudan exited with heads held high, having pushed one of the tournament heavyweights and briefly threatened a famous result.

If Senegal’s comeback underlined their resilience, the later match in Casablanca delivered outright drama. Mali, reduced to ten men early in the contest, produced one of the shocks of the tournament by eliminating Tunisia in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout at the Mohammed V Stadium.

Tunisia dominated possession for long spells and appeared to have finally broken Mali’s resistance late in normal time when Firas Chaouat headed them into the lead. With the numerical advantage and the clock ticking down, the Carthage Eagles looked poised to advance. Yet Mali refused to fold. Deep into stoppage time, a handball in the area handed them a lifeline, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot to force extra time.

Despite exhaustion and sustained Tunisian pressure, Mali held firm through extra time before the contest moved to penalties. What followed was a chaotic shootout, littered with misses and tension. Tunisia faltered repeatedly from the spot, while Mali held their nerve just enough, with Bilal Touré converting the decisive kick to complete a stunning upset.

The result set up a compelling quarterfinal meeting between Senegal and Mali, pitting Senegal’s composure and depth against Mali’s grit and defiance after a night that perfectly captured the drama of AFCON knockout football.