The New Assist King: Sadio Mane shatters Yaya Toure’s historic AFCON record

Sadio Mane wrote his name deeper into AFCON history books on Saturday night, becoming the tournament's all-time leading assist provider since records began in 2006 as Senegal came from behind to defeat Sudan 3-1 and secure their place in the quarter-finals.

The Senegal captain's two assists against Sudan took his tournament tally to nine, surpassing Ivorian legend Yaya Touré's previous record of seven.

It represents yet another milestone in a career already adorned with continental glory, including Senegal's maiden AFCON win in 2022.

While Mane who had already matched another record by Didier Drogba was making history, it was Pape Gueye who delivered the goals that mattered most. The midfielder struck twice to overturn Sudan's surprise early lead and put the defending champions firmly in control at the Stade Ibn Batouta.

Sudan had stunned Senegal with a dream start. Just six minutes in, Aamir Abdallah finished a swift counter-attack with a sublime curling effort from his left foot that left Edouard Mendy with no chance. For a brief moment, the upset was on.

But Senegal's class eventually told. The Lions of Teranga remained composed, gradually asserting control over proceedings. Their persistence paid dividends in the 29th minute when Mane, demonstrating the intelligence that has defined his career, dispossessed Mohamed Abuaagla in midfield and immediately released Gueye. The midfielder drove forward before calmly slotting a low finish past the Sudan goalkeeper.

The equaliser sparked Senegal into full flow. Nicolas Jackson had already tested Sudan's resolve with a close-range effort following dangerous buildup play from the left. The pressure was mounting.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Senegal completed the turnaround. Jackson again proved instrumental, cutting the ball back for Gueye, who produced a delightful curling finish from inside the box to make it 2-1 heading into the break.

Sudan emerged from the interval with renewed determination, nearly finding an equaliser just two minutes into the second half. Sheddy Barglan found himself with a golden opportunity from close range, only for Mendy to produce a superb reflex save that kept Senegal's lead intact.

That moment proved to be Sudan's final meaningful threat. Senegal regained control and began to dictate the tempo once more, content to manage the game while probing for the decisive third goal.

The insurance goal arrived 13 minutes from time, and fittingly, Mane was at the heart of it. The captain delivered yet another incisive pass, this time finding substitute Ibrahima Mbaye, who unleashed a powerful strike from inside the area to put the result beyond doubt.

With that assist, Mane moved clear of Touré at the summit of AFCON's creative charts. Nine assists across multiple tournaments solidify his legacy as one of the competition's most influential figures, a player whose impact extends far beyond goals scored.

For Senegal, the victory keeps their hopes for a second title firmly on track. They will now await their quarter-final opponents, with Mali set to be their next challenge after the Eagles' dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia.

Sudan, meanwhile, exit the tournament with pride intact. Their early goal and spirited performance showed they belong on this stage, even if Senegal's quality ultimately proved too much.

But on this night in Tangier, the headlines belonged to Mane. Another record. Another reminder of his enduring brilliance. Another chapter in an AFCON story that continues to grow richer with each passing tournament.