Senegal has secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West African neighbors Mali in Tangier on Friday.
A first-half strike from Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye proved to be the difference in a tense quarter-final clash that saw Mali’s captain Yves Bissouma sent off just before the break.
Okay News reports that the decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled a low cross from Krépin Diatta, allowing Ndiaye to tap home from close range.
Mali’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow in first-half stoppage time when Bissouma, the Tottenham midfielder, received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving his side to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali showed remarkable resilience and threatened to equalize, forcing Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy into action.
However, the Teranga Lions held firm to extend their unbeaten run at the tournament. Senegal will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between defending champions Ivory Coast and record-winners Egypt in the semi-final scheduled for Wednesday, January 14.
