AFCON 2025: Senegal sail past Mali into semi-finals

Senegal booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 after sailing past Mali 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday night.

The match saw Mali reduced to 10 men when their captain, Yves Bissouma, was sent off in added time at the end of the first half.

In a fiercely contested West African derby, the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations winners showed composure and tactical discipline to overcome a resilient Malian side.

Senegal were guided by coach Pape Thiaw, who stood tall all evening.

With both teams battling intensely for control in midfield and clear chances at a premium, Senegal proved more decisive in the key moments.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Mali’s Djigui Diarra inside the penalty area.

Reacting quickest to the loose ball, the Senegal forward calmly finished from close range to score what proved to be the match-winning goal.

Mali’s task became significantly more difficult moments before the interval when Bissouma received a second yellow card in stoppage time, forcing the Eagles to play the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage.

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Despite the setback, Mali reorganised defensively under Tom Saintfiet’s guidance and continued to search for a way back into the contest.

After the restart, Senegal controlled possession and dictated the tempo, probing patiently for a second goal.

Mali defended with determination, and despite the defeat, goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was spectacular, making several key saves to keep the scoreline close and frustrating Senegal’s attacking efforts.

Senegal, however, managed the closing stages with maturity and control to secure their place in the last four of the competition, while Mali exited the tournament after a courageous and spirited quarter-final performance.

Senegal will face Saturday’s winner between record champions Egypt and holders Cote d’Ivoire.

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