AFCON: Senegal overcome 10-man Mali to reach semifinals

Iliman Ndiaye’s first half goal was enough for Senegal to secure a semifinal place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following Friday’s 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Mali in Tangier, Morocco.

The Everton attacker arrived to finish from a rebound in the 27th minute after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled a cross from Krepin Diatta. A red card issued to Mali captain Yves Bissouma in first half stoppage time added to the Eagles’ struggles after halftime.

A dominant first half saw the Lions of Teranga establish a firm grip on proceedings. The Malians defended well in the opening half hour but a rare moment of weakness from goalkeeper Diarra allowed their opponents to claim the lead.

Ndiaye began the team movement with a pass to find the run of Diatta on the right side of the penalty area. Diarra attempted to dive and claim Diatta’s hard, low cross but lost track of the ball under him. Ndiaye, who sprinted into the penalty area after making his initial pass, was in the perfect place to finish as the goalkeeper desperately searched for the loose ball.

Diarra did well to keep Senegal from doubling their lead in the 43rd minute, reacting with a strong hand to deny El Hadji Malick Diouf’s effort from a difficult angle. However, the Eagles’ hopes were further dashed when Bissouma received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.

But despite the halftime deficit, Mali did put in an admirable effort to level the match. Central defender Abdoulay Diaby had two chances to equalize after getting on the end of a free kick but Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy did well to keep his team ahead.

In the end, it was too difficult for Mali to create opportunities from the run of play and the Senegalese held on to advance. The Lions of Teranga will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between Egypt and Ivory Coast in Tangier on Wednesday.