TANGIER: Senegal became the first team to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, delivering a strong and composed performance against Sudan at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier.

Mali will test them in the quarter finals after beating Tunisia despite having to play much of the match with 10 men.

Senegal suffered an early shock, with Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah Yunis netting in the sixth minute for the underdogs before the Teranga Lions took control. Pape Gueye emerged as their hero, scoring twice — once just before halftime and again to extend Senegal’s advantage. Both goals were set up with quality link-up play, showcasing the balance in Senegal’s midfield and attacking thrust.

In the second half, 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye put the result beyond doubt with a composed finish, making it 3-1 and marking himself as one of the tournament’s most exciting young talents.

In Casablanca Mali produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the tournament against Tunisia. Against the run of play for much of the match, Mali were reduced to 10 men early on after Woyo Coulibaly’s red card, leaving them to battle a talented Tunisian side a man down for the majority of the game.

Tunisia seemed to have earned the victory when Firas Chaouat struck late in the 88th minute, only for Mali to be awarded a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time. Lassine Sinayoko stepped up and coolly converted to force extra time at 1-1.

The deadlock held through extra time, setting up a tense penalty shoot-out. Here, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra became the difference, saving two spot-kicks and helping his side triumph 3-2 on penalties, a remarkable achievement given their numerical disadvantage.

Despite having not won a single match in 90 minutes in this tournament, Mali’s resilience and willpower have carried them into the last eight. Now to take on Senegal.

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