Mbaye's Historic AFCON Moment Lights Up Senegal's Quarterfinal Quest
3 January 2026
Mbaye's Historic AFCON Moment Shines for Senegal
Senegalese forward Ibrahim Mbaye, star of Paris Saint-Germain, marked a historic milestone for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal secured the first knockout-quarterfinal spot at AFCON after a 3-1 win over Sudan on Saturday at Ibn Batouta Stadium, in the opening round of 16.
Sudan opened with an early goal from Amer Abdullah in the 6th minute.
But the Lions of Teranga replied with a three-goal burst: one at 29 minutes, another at 45+3 minutes, and Mbaye adding a late strike at 77’.
According to Opta, Mbaye, aged 17 years and 344 days, became the youngest goalscorer in AFCON this century.
With this win, Senegal advanced to the quarterfinals and waited for the Tunisia-Mali winner later today.
The quarterfinal is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at the Grand Tangier Stadium.
Punchline 1: Mbaye's finishing is so precise, even the net filed a complaint about target practice.
Punchline 2: If this pace keeps up, the calendar will need overtime—Mbaye time, that is.
