GRAND Stade de Tanger was painted green, yellow and red on Saturday night, 3 January as Senegal's passionate supporters turned the Moroccan city into a mini-Dakar, roaring their Teranga Lions to a powerful 3-1 comeback win over Sudan in the Afcon last-16 clash.
The tournament favourites arrived with big expectations, but they were given an early scare when the Falcons of Jediane struck first. Just six minutes in, right winger Aamir Yunis Abdallah stunned the Senegalese faithful with a cool finish that silenced the stadium and put Sudan 1-0 up.
That goal, however, poked the sleeping giants. Senegal slowly found their rhythm, pushing forward with purpose and intensity. Their pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute when 26-year-old Pape Gueye rose to the occasion, smashing home the equaliser to send the crowd into wild celebrations.
Gueye was far from done. Hungry and confident, the midfielder struck again deep into first-half stoppage time, completing his brace and turning the game on its head. From trailing early on, Senegal headed into the break with a 2-1 lead and full control of the contest.
ALSO READ | Super Eagles show no MERCY!Opens in new window
The second half was played at a furious pace, with Sudan throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser. But Senegal's supporters played their role as the 12th man, beating drums, singing nonstop and lifting their team every step of the way.
As Sudan pushed up, gaps began to appear and Senegal pounced. In the 77th minute, 17-year-old super-sub Ibrahim Mbaye announced himself on the big stage. Fresh off the bench, the teenager calmly finished to make it 3-1, sealing the result and sparking scenes of pure joy in the stands.
The final whistle confirmed Senegal's place in the quarter-finals, and Tangier erupted as fans celebrated long into the night. Having come from a goal down to dominate the match, the Teranga Lions once again showed why they are among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Senegal now wait to discover their next opponent, but one thing is certain with this form and fearless spirit, they remain a serious force at the Afcon.
