Senegal secured the first semifinal place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Mali 1-0 in their quarterfinal clash in Tangiers on Friday.
Recalled forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the first half as Senegal overcame 10 man Mali, who were reduced to a numerical disadvantage just before the break.
Mali’s hopes suffered a major setback in first half added time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
The breakthrough came after 27 minutes following a costly error by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. A cross from Krepin Diatta slipped under the keeper’s body, allowing Ndiaye to react quickly and fire the loose ball into the net.
Despite the goal coming from a mistake, Senegal’s lead was deserved as they dominated possession and attacking play in only the second AFCON meeting between the two sides. Their previous encounter ended in a draw during the 2004 group stage.
Senegal could have doubled their advantage when Pape Gueye, who scored twice in the round of 16 win over Sudan, fired narrowly wide from distance.
Mali showed resilience despite being reduced to 10 men, repeating the fighting spirit they displayed against Tunisia in the previous round. They nearly equalised early in the second half when Abdoulaye Diaby forced a sharp reflex save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Diarra redeemed his earlier error with a series of outstanding saves, denying efforts from Pathe Ciss and Lamine Camara late on to keep Mali in contention.
Seventeen year old Paris Saint Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye was introduced late for Ndiaye, while Senegal managed the closing stages to see out the win.
Senegal will now face defending champions Ivory Coast or record seven time winners Egypt in the semifinals, with the two sides set to meet on Saturday.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
