Sudan’s fairytale ends as Senegal book first AFCON 2025 quarter-final spot

Sudan’s fairytale run at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 came to an end after Senegal secured the first quarter-final spot, defeating the spirited Sudanese side 3–1 in their Round of 16 match in Tangier.

Senegal, one of the tournament’s strong contenders, recovered from an early goal by Sudan to turn the game around through a brace by midfielder Pape Gueye and a late strike by 17-year-old substitute Ibrahima Mbaye. The victory sent the Lions of Teranga into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Mali vs Tunisia.

Sudan’s journey to the knockout stage was remarkable, as they progressed from the group phase despite scoring only once, thanks in part to a favourable own goal result elsewhere.

Their Round of 16 exit ends a campaign that captured hearts and defied expectations.

Round of 16: full schedule and matchups

With Senegal through, the remaining Round of 16 fixtures at the tournament in Morocco are as follows:

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Morocco vs Tanzania 
– Hosts against historic debutants in the knockout rounds.

South Africa vs Cameroon – Bafana Bafana face the five-time champions.

Monday, January 5, 2026

Egypt vs Benin – Seven-time champions Egypt, unbeaten in the group stage, meet a resilient Benin side.

Nigeria vs Mozambique – Super Eagles aim to maintain momentum against first-time knockout qualifiers Mozambique.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Algeria vs DR Congo – Two unbeaten sides clash in what promises to be a compelling tie.

Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso – Reigning champions Ivory Coast take on strong challengers in the evening fixture.

What to watch

Hosts Morocco will hope their home support spurs them past Tanzania, who reached the Round of 16 for the first time in 45 years.

South Africa and Cameroon renew an old rivalry, with both teams looking to assert themselves early in the knockout phase.

Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, aim to build on a solid group stage against Benin, who are enjoying a rare and proud run.

Nigeria, boasting the tournament’s most potent attack, face Mozambique in a match that could define the Super Eagles’ knockout hopes.

Algeria vs DR Congo stands out as a tight battle between two unbeaten sides from the group phase.

Ivory Coast, seeking to defend the title they won in 2023, will be determined to avoid the so-called “champions’ curse” when facing Burkina Faso.

As the knockout phase progresses, tension will rise with quarter-final places and continental glory at stake.

The tournament’s next key dates are the quarter-finals on 9–10 January and the semi-finals on January 14, culminating in the final on January 18, 2026.