A first‑half tap‑in from Iliman Ndiaye was enough for Senegal to secure a 1–0 win over 10‑man Mali and advance to the semi‑finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Tangier.
Everton forward Ndiaye was perfectly placed to finish from close range after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to collect Krepin Diatta’s low cross from the right.
In first‑half stoppage time, Diarra kept Mali in the contest by tipping El Hadji Malick Diouf’s effort onto the crossbar. However, shortly afterwards, Mali’s hopes suffered a blow when their captain and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second yellow card.
In the second half, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied Abdoulaye Diaby, and Diarra later made saves from shots by Sadio Mane and Pathé Ciss.
Ciss missed another opportunity for the 2021 champions, shooting straight at Diarra after a defensive error, and in stoppage time, Diarra also pushed Lassine Camara’s dipping volley onto the right‑hand post.
Mali exited the tournament without a win, their campaign hindered by repeated disciplinary issues, with a player sent off in a third straight match in Morocco.
The Eagles supporters will be glad to see referee Abongile Tom depart, as he also officiated Mali’s last‑16 defeat to Tunisia, where he showed Woyo Coulibaly a straight red card.
Senegal will learn their semi‑final opponent on Saturday when seven‑time champions Egypt take on defending champions Ivory Coast in Agadir (19:00 GMT).
