Senegal advances to AFCON 2025 semifinals after defeating Mali

Senegal Advances to AFCON 2025 Semifinals with 1-0 Victory Over Mali

Tangiers, Morocco - Senegal secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Mali 1-0 in their quarterfinal match on Friday. The only goal was scored by Iliman Ndiaye in the first half.

Mali’s hopes were dealt a significant blow when Yves Bissouma was sent off in added time, receiving his second yellow card. The incident occurred just before halftime, and Senegal took advantage of the numerical disadvantage to score the winning goal.

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made several crucial saves during the match, including one that prevented Mali from leveling the score. Ndiaye’s goal was a result of a blunder by Mali’s Djigui Diarra, who allowed a cross to slip under his body and into the net.

The match marked Senegal’s first victory over Mali in the tournament, with their previous encounter ending in a draw at the group stage in 2004. The team will now face either Ivory Coast or Egypt in the semifinals on Saturday.

In the first half, Lassine Sinayoko of Mali appealed for a penalty after being fouled by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, but the referee waved play on and VAR confirmed his decision was correct. Mali captain Bissouma was also yellow-carded midway through the half for fouling Sadio Mane.

The match ended with Senegal’s substitute, Ibrahim Mbaye, scoring a goal in the second half to seal victory over Sudan. Meanwhile, Djigui Diarra made several outstanding saves to keep Mali’s hopes alive until the end of the match.

Source: Al Jazeera