Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal was sufficient for Senegal to defeat 10-man Mali and secure their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Everton attacker was present to score from five yards after Mali’s keeper, Djigui Diarra, couldn’t handle Krepin Diatta’s low pass from the right.
Diarra deflected a shot from El Hadji Malick Diouf onto the crossbar during first-half injury time, shortly before Eagles captain and Tottenham player Yves Bissouma received a red card for a second yellow card.
Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped a shot from Abdoulaye Diaby in the second half in Tangier, while Diarra saved attempts from Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss.
Ciss rejected yet another opportunity for the 2021 champions, firing directly at Diarra after taking advantage of a defensive mistake, and the Eagles goalkeeper then deflected Lassine Camara’s dipping volley onto the right post during stoppage time.
Mali left the tournament without securing a victory after their ongoing lack of discipline ultimately proved detrimental, with a player being dismissed for the third consecutive match in Morocco.
The Eagles will be glad to say goodbye to referee Abongile Tom, who officiated their round of 16 game against Tunisia and issued Woyo Coulibaly a direct red card.
Senegal overcame Sudan comfortably after an early challenge in their round of 16 match, while Mali required a last-minute equalizer and penalties to defeat Tunisia, facing a 10-man disadvantage starting in the 26th minute.
The initial major discussion arose in the third minute when the Eagles were refused a possible penalty after Lassine Sinayoko was fouled by returning Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly just within the area.
However, the video assistant referee remained uninvolved, and South African Tom was not directed to the pitch-side monitor to reassess the situation.
Teranga Lions midfielder Pape Gueye had already sent two attempts off target before Bissouma received his first yellow card halfway through the half for striking Mane with a swinging arm.
Diarra stopped two penalties in the shootout versus Tunisia but made an error on Senegal’s first goal when Diatta’s cutback slipped beneath him, leaving Ndiaye with a clear net.
Mali posed little threat, and their challenge intensified when Bissouma, yet to feature for Tottenham this season, received his second yellow card for a late tackle on Idrissa Gana Gueye near the halfway line.
Tom Saintfiet’s Eagles seldom appeared capable of equalizing, yet Mendy quickly reacted to intercept a dangerous low cross from Sinayoko at the start of the second half, and the ex-Chelsea player also executed a low save from Diaby’s free-kick attempt.
Instead, it fell to Diarra to execute a series of saves to maintain his team’s chances, but Mali failed to generate a prolonged phase of pressure or create another opportunity in the seven minutes of added time.
Mali exits at the quarter-final stage for the second consecutive tournament, as their skilled squad seldom showcased their complete potential in Morocco, while Pape Thiaw’s Senegal will stay in Tangier for a significant clash against Egypt or the Ivorians.
