By Olukayode Banjo
The Terenga Lions of Senegal became the first country to secure a place in the quarter finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco with a comeback win over the Jediane Falcons of Sudan last Saturday.
Sudan had taken a shock lead in the first Round of 16 fixtures thanks to a Abdallah Yunis strike.
However, Pape Gueye equalised for Senegal in the 29th minute before scoring his second in first half stoppage time to give his country a 2-1 lead at the break.
Ibrahim Mbaye made it 3-1 in the 77th minute to complete the turn around for Senegal and send them to the quarter finals.
In the second round of 16 fixtures yesterday, 10-man Mali sent Tunisia packing after winning 3-2 on penalties to join Senegal in the quarter finals.
Firas Chaouat thought he had sent Tunisia to the quarter finals when he scored in the 88th minute, only for Lassine Sinayoko to convert from the spot in the 96th minute to make it 1-1 and drag the game to extra time.
After 120 minutes of play with nothing to separate both teams, it went to penalty shoot out and Mali came out on top to set up a quarter final clash with Senegal.
