Senegal overcome stubborn Mali for semi-final spot
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffSenegal booked their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a 1-0 win over Mali on Friday evening.
The Teranga Lions welcomed back Kalidou Koulibaly, Malick Diouf, Iliman Ndiaye and Habib Diallo as Pape Matar, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson started on the bench, while Woyo Coulibaly was suspended for Mali.
Senegal got their noses in front at the midway point of the opening spell when Ndiaye pounced on a goalkeeping error by Djigui Diarra to finish easily.
Another goal seemed on the cards post the half-hour mark following a long-range strike by Pape Gueye from a pass by Habib Diarra, but he slammed wide.
Tensions spilled over for Mali, who were reduced to ten men on the stroke of halftime when captain Yves Bissouma received a red card after committing a second bookable offence.
Les Aigles showed a lot of courage in the second half despite being a man down and had Abdoulay Diaby come close to the equaliser from inside the area.
Senegal, though, went very close to doubling the lead with a curling effort outside the area by skipper Sadio Mane, but goalkeeper Diarra pulled off a fine save,
Having bagged the opener, Ndiaye made way inside the closing ten minutes and saw Ibrahim Mbaye come on to take his place in the starting fold.
The Eagles continued to show a brave face although they were on the edge as Pathe Ciss intercepted a stray pass to go clean through on goal, but Diarra parried.
Diarra was in again in additional time when he pulled off an outstretched save to palm a first-time volley from Lamine Camara onto the post, although the one goal was enough to send the Lions of Teranga to the semi-finals.