AFCON 2025: Senegal edge Mali to book semi-final spot

Senegal secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after grinding out a 1–0 victory over a 10-man Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Iliman Ndiaye pounced on a costly error from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, calmly slotting the ball home to give the Teranga Lions the lead.

Mali’s task became even tougher late in the first half as captain Yves Bissouma was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Idrissa Gueye, leaving the Eagles a man down.

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Despite the setback, Mali pressed aggressively after the restart in search of an equaliser, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood firm to deny them. Senegal, meanwhile, threatened on the counter-attack and could have extended their lead, only for Diarra to redeem himself with a series of saves.

Senegal will now face the winner of the quarter-final showdown between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the last four. The semi-final encounter is scheduled to take place in Tanger next Wednesday.

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