Sadio Mane reacts after Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 to reach AFCON 2025 quarter finals

03.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

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Sudan

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Sadio Mane praised Senegal’s resilience after the reigning African champions booked their place in the quarter finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with 3-1 victory over Sudan.

The Teranga Lions were forced to respond after early setback in Sunday’s Round of 16 clash but goals at crucial moments ensured Pape Thiaw’s side continued their title defence in confident fashion.

Mane: “The Goal we Conceded was a wake-up call”

Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Mane admitted Senegal were surprised by Sudan’s opener but highlighted his team’s strong reaction.

“We played good game from the beginning against Sudan but the goal we conceded came as shock and felt like punishment,” Mane said.
“Still, we managed to react well and score the equaliser.”

The 32 year old forward stressed that the match was far from straightforward despite the final scoreline.

“After that, our response was positive and we eventually scored three goal. That’s football ,, the game was not easy at all,” he added. “Every match at the Africa Cup of Nations is difficult but in the end we managed to secure qualification to the quarter finals.”

Mane Shines in commanding Senegal display

Beyond his post match comments, Mane delivered another outstanding performance on the continental stage. The Senegal captain played decisive role in two of his side’s three goal providing two assist and initiating the build up to the third with perfectly weighted key pass.

His influence once again underlined his importance to Senegal’s AFCON ambitions as the Teranga Lions controlled large spells of the contest after their early scare.

Historic AFCON record for Senegal’s star

Mane’s contributions against Sudan further strengthened his place in Africa Cup of Nations history. He has now registered 18 goal contributions at AFCON tournaments since 2006 making him the most productive player in the competition over that period.

The former Liverpool forward also moved clear at the top of the all time AFCON assists chart for the modern era reaching nine assists surpassing Ivorian legend Yaya Toure.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Senegal

Sudan

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations