Sadio Mane Breaks AFCON Assist Record in Senegal vs Sudan Clash
- Sadio Mané etched his name into Africa Cup of Nations history with a record-breaking display in Senegal’s Round of 16 clash against Sudan
- The 33-year-old reached a new milestone with a decisive assist, once again highlighting his lasting influence on Senegal’s AFCON 2025 campaign
- Mané will be hoping to inspire the Teranga Lions to another continental crown, having already played a pivotal role in their first-ever AFCON triumph in 2021
Sadio Mané once again proved his importance to Senegal when he delivered a decisive moment in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 clash against Sudan on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The former Liverpool star stepped up when his side needed calm and clarity, leaving a lasting mark on the contest.
Source: Getty Images
Sadio Mané sets new AFCON record
Sudan struck first through Aamir Abdallah, momentarily silencing the Grande Stade de Tangier and forcing Senegal to chase the game.
With pressure mounting, Mané took responsibility. The 33-year-old found space on the edge of the area, waited for the right moment, then slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Pape Gueye.
According to CAF Online, the midfielder responded with a powerful strike from just outside the box to restore parity.
Watch Sadio Mané's assist to Pape Gueye:
That single touch of quality carried historic weight. According to Gary Al Smith, Mané has now recorded eight assists at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2006, surpassing Yaya Touré, who previously held the record with seven.
As if that was not enough, Mané made it a double delight, stretching his record tally to nine with a second assist as Senegal sealed a come-from-behind win.
The milestone confirmed Senegal's talisman as the most prolific creator in the tournament’s modern era.
Beyond the numbers, Mané’s influence was visible throughout the match. His intelligent movement unsettled the Sudanese defence, while his work rate and composure helped Senegal regain control after falling behind.
The assists were not a flash of brilliance in isolation but part of a performance that steadied his teammates during a nervy knockout tie.
Source: Getty Images
Senegal overpower Sudan in AFCON knockout win
As the game wore on, Senegal continued to press for a breakthrough.
Their persistence paid off in the first half stoppage time when Pape Gueye struck again, completing his brace and turning the contest on its head.
17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest goalscorer at the AFCON in the 21st century with his goal, which put the result beyond doubt and booked the 2021 champions a place in the next round.
For Senegal, the victory reinforced its credentials as a serious contender in Morocco, as they would meet one of Mali or Tunisia in the quarter-finals, while for Mané, it was another reminder of his enduring quality on the biggest African stage.
Cat nails Senegal vs Sudan AFCON result
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a mysterious cat named Nimbus Pronos predicted a Senegal victory over Sudan.
The cat calmly walked straight to the Senegal bowl and began eating, a gesture widely taken as a bad sign for Kwesi Appiah’s side.
Source: YEN.com.gh
