Ndiaye Strike Sends Senegal Into AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals as Mali Falter Again

Ndiaye Strike Sends Senegal Into AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals as Mali Falter Again

Senegal booked their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in Tangier, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proving decisive against a 10-man Malian side.

The Everton forward struck from close range after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to gather Krepin Diatta’s low cutback, leaving Ndiaye with a simple finish five yards out. It was a costly error on an otherwise busy night for Diarra, who later produced a string of saves to keep Mali in contention.

Mali’s task became even more difficult late in the first half when Yves Bissouma, the Eagles’ captain, was sent off for a second yellow card following a late challenge. The dismissal marked the third consecutive match in which Mali lost a player to a red card at the tournament, underlining their ongoing disciplinary struggles in Morocco.

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Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal were unable to add to their lead. Edouard Mendy made key second-half saves to deny Abdoulaye Diaby, while Diarra atoned partially for his earlier mistake by keeping out efforts from Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss. Ciss later missed a gilt-edged chance after a defensive lapse, firing straight at the goalkeeper.

Mali pushed late for an equaliser, but lacked the composure and creativity to truly threaten, even during seven minutes of stoppage time. A dipping volley from Lassine Camara that struck the post summed up their frustration.

The defeat sees Mali exit at the quarter-final stage for the second successive Africa Cup of Nations, having failed to fully harness the potential of a talented squad. Senegal, champions in 2021, remain in Tangier and will now face either Egypt or Ivory Coast for a place in the final.

Ndiaye Strike Sends Senegal Into AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals as Mali Falter Again