AFCON 2025: Senegal edge Mali to reach semi-finals
Iliman Ndiaye’s 27th-minute strike proved decisive as Senegal beat 10-man Mali 1-0 at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Morocco to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Everton forward finished from close range after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to gather Krépin Diatta’s low delivery from the right, allowing Ndiaye to tap in from five yards.
Mali were reduced to 10 men late in the first half when captain and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence, moments after Diarra had tipped El Hadji Malick Diouf’s shot onto the crossbar in first-half stoppage time.
Senegal continued to press after the break, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denying Abdoulaye Diaby, while Diarra produced further saves to keep out efforts from Sadio Mané and Pathé Ciss.
Ciss later squandered a clear chance for the 2021 champions, firing straight at Diarra after latching onto a defensive mistake, before the Mali keeper diverted Lassine Camara’s dipping volley onto the right-hand post in injury time.
Mali exit the tournament without a win, with indiscipline once again proving costly after a player was sent off for the third consecutive match in Morocco.
Senegal, meanwhile, will be relieved to see the end of referee Abongile Tom’s involvement, with the official also having taken charge of their last-16 clash against Tunisia, during which Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card.
The Teranga Lions will learn their semi-final opponents on Saturday, when record seven-time champions Egypt face defending holders Ivory Coast at 19:00 GMT.
