Inspired by Sadio Mané, defending champions Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Sudan on Saturday.
With suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly absent, Mané led by example, creating goals and pressing relentlessly. He set up two goals for Pape Gueye and later assisted substitute Ibrahim Mbaye as Senegal recovered from an early shock sixth-minute goal by Sudan’s Aamir Abdallah.
Gueye equalized in the 29th minute before scoring again prior to halftime. Mbaye sealed the win late as the Lions of Teranga booked a quarterfinal meeting with Mali on Jan. 9 in Tangier.
Earlier, Mali reached the last eight after edging Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Casablanca. Despite playing with 10 men from the 26th minute, Mali held firm as goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved two penalties.
Tunisia appeared set to win late in regulation time before conceding a stoppage-time penalty, allowing Lassine Sinayoko to force extra time. Mali ultimately prevailed, setting up a West African quarterfinal showdown with Senegal.