Senegal, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, survived an early scare at the weekend to beat Sudan 3-1 and became the first nation to secure a place in the 2025 quarterfinals.
The victory, secured after Senegal regrouped following a nervy opening period, puts the West African side through to the last eight with matches remaining in the group stage. The result also underscored Senegal’s depth and experience in tournament conditions as they absorbed pressure early and produced the decisive finishing that has defined their recent run.
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Mali joined Senegal in advancing after a tense, attritional encounter with Tunisia. Forced to play with 10 men late in the game, Mali endured 120 minutes of play before the tie was decided by a penalty shootout, which they won to progress to the next round.
On Sunday Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0. Tanzania held firm through the first half, but the Atlas Lions broke the deadlock in the 64th minute and held on for the win, taking a vital three points in their group campaign.
- Senegal 3, Sudan 1 — Senegal advance to the 2025 quarterfinals.
- Mali beat Tunisia on penalties after 120 minutes — Mali also advance.
- Morocco 1, Tanzania 0 — Morocco scored in the 64th minute.
The weekend’s results removed some of the early uncertainty in the tournament’s group phase. Senegal’s progression as the first team to clinch a quarterfinal berth gives the holders breathing space as they prepare for the knockout rounds, while Mali’s dramatic win despite being reduced to 10 men highlights the fine margins and physical intensity that have marked the competition so far.
Morocco’s narrow victory over Tanzania keeps the Atlas Lions on course, though the tournament’s remaining fixtures will determine the complete lineup for the last eight. Teams will regroup and adjust tactics in the coming days as they chase the remaining spots in the knockout stage.
Organizers and fans will now turn their attention to the next round of group matches, where points and goal difference will decide which sides join Senegal and Mali in the quarterfinals.
By Newsroom
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
