Senegal edge 10-man Mali to reach AFCON 2025 semi-finals

Senegal edge 10-man Mali to reach AFCON 2025 semi-finals

Senegal defeated 10-man Mali 1–0 to become the first team to advance to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal was the decider for the Teranga Lions in a tense West African derby at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Friday evening.

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The breakthrough came midway through the first half when the Everton forward struck from close range after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to properly gather Krépin Diatta’s low cross from the right.

Diarra later tipped a shot from El Hadji Malick Diouf onto the crossbar in first-half stoppage time, moments before Mali captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving the Eagles to play the entire second half with 10 men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Mali pushed for an equalizer, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denied Abdoulaye Diaby in the second half, while Diarra responded with saves from Sadio Mané and Pathé Ciss to keep Mali in contention.

Mali exit the AFCON 2025 without a single win, with ill-discipline once again proving costly, having seen a player sent off in each of their last three matches in Morocco.

Senegal will know their semi-final opponent on Saturday when record seven-time champions Egypt face holders Ivory Coast in Agadir.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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