In the first two Round of 16 matches of AFCON 2025, Senegal and Mali booked their places in the quarterfinals, setting up an all–West African derby. Senegal overcame Sudan, while Mali eliminated Tunisia after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Senegal Shaken but Through
Against a fearless Sudanese side already satisfied with its tournament — and playing in a context where the national team’s performances bring hope and courage to an oppressed population that remains firmly in our thoughts — Senegal struggled.
Trailing 1–0 after a magnificent left-footed curling strike into the far corner by Amir Abdallah, the Lions wavered. The attacking trio of Sarr, Mané, and Jackson were largely ineffective and out of sync. Salvation instead came from midfield. Pape Gueye scored twice to turn the match around before halftime, Idrissa Gana Gueye dominated defensively, and Habib Diarra orchestrated play.
Despite a tense second half in which Sudanese attacks caused moments of real concern for Senegal, the emergence of the phenomenon Ibrahim Mbaye — introduced in place of Ismaïla Sarr — put an end to the suspense.
Despite lingering weaknesses, Senegal remain alive and continue their pursuit of a second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Mali edge past tunisian deep into the night
Thirty-eight fouls were committed in this match. The ball rarely flowed, constantly interrupted by crude and excessive fouls from both Malian and Tunisian players. After four yellow cards in less than 20 minutes, the referee decided to send off right-back Coulibaly for his challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite playing with a numerical advantage, Tunisia did nothing to exploit it and failed to register a shot on target until the 80th minute. Eventually, the Carthage Eagles thought they had found the breakthrough through supersub Chaouat. But minutes later, Mali struck back from the penalty spot after Meriah conceded a foul — from a free kick he himself had given away moments earlier.
After a lifeless and tedious extra time, Mali prevailed in the penalty shootout in a forgettable match where football itself was the real loser.