Sudan lost to Senegal 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in their Round of 16 clash on Saturday, 3 January 2026, resulting in Sudan’s exist from the tournament.
Sudan made a surprisingly fast start, taking the lead in the 6th minute through young Sudanese player Aamir Yunis Abdallah. However, Senegal responded with Papa Gueye scoring twice in the 29th minute and 45+3 minutes to turn the match around. Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the win with a third goal in the 77th minute.
SUDAN STRIKE FIRST!
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 3, 2026
EARLY FIRST GOAL. AAMIR ABDALLAH. 🇸🇩⚽️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/N5Rs9D6ers
Abdallah scored the first and only goal at the AFCON 2025 in the match against Senegal. Although Sudan has been eliminated from AFCON 2025, the team made history by becoming the first country to qualify for the quarter-finals via an own goal. Sudan defeated Equatorial Guinea 1–0 in their Group E match on 28 December. The decisive moment came in the second half when a stinging Sudanese cross forced centre-back Saúl Coco into a desperate clearance, sending the ball into his own net. The solitary goal proved enough for Sudan to register their first vital win of the tournament. The goal sparked wild celebrations and handed Sudan their first AFCON victory in more than a decade, ensuring the team left the competition with pride despite eventual elimination.
But who is Aamir Yunis Abdallah?
Aamir Yunis Abdallah is a Sudanese-born Australian footballer who last played as an attacker for Avondale FC in the Australian Championship, and the Sudan national team.
💥 Aussie-based Aamir Abdallah doesn't get many headlines playing for Avondale FC in Victoria, but he had the whole of 🇸🇩 Sudan roaring with this cracker against the giants of 🇸🇳 Senegal at #AFCON25!! 🎥 HIGHLIGHTS of their R16 clash here 👉 https://t.co/UXphJeBWXj pic.twitter.com/cHQVgtGigk
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) January 3, 2026
Abdallah was born in 1999 in Kassala, Sudan, to Eritrean parents and later moved to Melbourne, Australia, with his family. His passion for football started at an early age, playing street football daily during his childhood.
Abdallah began his football journey with North Lions and Brunswick City. He played professionally in Estonia for FCI Levadia and Pärnu JK Vaprus in the Meistriliiga. In 2021, he was part of the Levadia squad that won the Estonian championship.
Upon returning to Australia, Abdallah joined Heidelberg United in 2023, then signed with Hume City FC in January 2024. He scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 20 matches during the 2024 NPL Victoria season, earning the Gold Medal, Players’ Player Award, and the Bill Fleming Medal.
In the 2024 Australia Cup, Abdallah scored an Olimpico goal in the Round of 16 against Melbourne Srbija, securing a 1–0 win.
In January 2025, he signed with Green Gully SC. In Round 13 of the 2025 NPL Victoria season, Abdallah scored a hat-trick in a 5–2 win over Avondale FC.
Abdallah’s journey began with Sudan national team in March 2025 when he was called up for a set of friendlies.
Follow Abdallah’s journey on Instagram at @aamir_abdallah
Unbelievable from Aamir Abdallah. The @1xBet_Eng Goal of the Day! 🤩🇸🇩#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/urYcNZDGud
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026
Aamir Abdallah 👏
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) January 3, 2026
What a goal. What a moment.
Sudan’s Abdallah not only plays in Australia, but plays in the semi-pro NPL comp.
He’s been a standout performer, winning the 2024 NPL Gold Medal.
Clubs will be queueing up to sign him after AFCON.pic.twitter.com/W1ukgsqT6B
Aamir Abdallah becomes the first Sudan player to score at the AFCON 2025. They take a surprise lead against Senegal 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ib8X48xsS5
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) January 3, 2026
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