Senegal beat 10-man Mali to reach AFCON 2025 semifinals
Senegal became the first team to book a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after grinding out a 1-0 win over Mali in Friday’s quarterfinal clash in Tanger.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal, pouncing on a goalkeeping error to keep the Lions of Teranga firmly on track in their bid for a second continental crown.
Early controversy and costly mistake
The contest started at a frantic pace, with Mali appealing for a penalty inside three minutes when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a Kalidou Koulibaly challenge.
The referee waved play on and VAR declined to intervene. Senegal soon had appeals of their own when the ball struck Abdoulaye Diaby’s arm, but again no penalty was awarded.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma was booked in the 23rd minute for an arm in the face of Sadio Mané, before Senegal struck four minutes later.
Djigui Diarra spilled Ismaila Sarr’s low cross, allowing Ndiaye to tap in from close range.
Red card shifts the balance
Mali’s task became significantly harder just before half-time when Bissouma picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye, leaving his side a man down for the remainder of the match.
Mali push, Mendy stands firm
Despite the setback, Mali showed strong spirit after the break and tested Edouard Mendy early, forcing the Senegal goalkeeper into sharp saves.
Ousmane Camara and Lassana Coulibaly both went close, while Diarra atoned somewhat for his error with a string of fine stops to deny Mané and Pathé Ciss.
Senegal managed the closing stages effectively, absorbing pressure and seeing out the game without further damage.
The result ends Mali’s AFCON 2025 campaign, while Senegal now await their semifinal opponents, with Egypt set to face Ivory Coast in Saturday’s quarterfinal showdown in Agadir.
