Senegal edge Mali to sail through to Semifinals
Senegal edged past Mali 1-0 in the 2025 AFCON quarter-final in Tangier, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s opportunistic strike and a costly error from goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. Mali’s hopes were further dashed by Yves Bissouma’s red card, leaving them with ten men before halftime. Senegal now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Egypt or Ivory Coast.
The quarter-final clash between Mali and Senegal at the Grand Stadium in Tangier was billed as a battle of resilience versus pedigree. Senegal, unbeaten in the tournament, entered as favorites, while Mali carried momentum from their dramatic penalty shootout win over Tunisia. The opening minutes reflected Mali’s determination, pressing high and attempting to unsettle Senegal’s rhythm. However, the Lions of Teranga quickly asserted control, with Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye probing the Malian defense.
The Decisive Goal
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Senegal’s Krepin Diatta whipped in a low cross from the right. Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra mishandled the ball, spilling it into the path of Everton playmaker Iliman Ndiaye, who calmly slotted home from close range. It was a cruel blow for Mali, whose defensive organization had held firm until that point. The goal highlighted Senegal’s ability to capitalize on mistakes, a hallmark of their tournament run.
Mali Reduced to Ten Men
Mali’s task became even harder just before halftime. Midfield anchor Yves Bissouma, already on a yellow card, was dismissed in stoppage time after a reckless challenge. This left Mali with ten men for the entire second half, echoing their previous match against Tunisia where they also played shorthanded. The dismissal forced Mali to adopt a more defensive posture, limiting their attacking options and placing immense pressure on Diarra and the backline.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali showed admirable resilience. Diarra, determined to atone for his earlier error, produced a string of fine saves, notably denying Lamine Camara’s powerful effort late in the game. The Eagles relied on counterattacks, but with fewer options up front, they struggled to create clear chances. Senegal, meanwhile, managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and maintaining defensive solidity to protect their narrow lead.
Senegal’s Control and Progression
Senegal’s ability to manage the match after taking the lead was a testament to their experience. The midfield trio of Idrissa Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, and Pape Matar Sarr controlled possession, ensuring Mali’s reduced side could not build sustained pressure. Although the Lions of Teranga were not at their most fluent, their pragmatism was enough to secure victory. The win confirmed Senegal’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Egypt or Ivory Coast, keeping alive their hopes of reclaiming AFCON glory.
The contest was ultimately decided by fine margins—a goalkeeper’s mistake and a red card. Mali’s spirited effort was undone by lapses in concentration, while Senegal’s clinical edge and composure carried them through. For Mali, it was heartbreak after a promising campaign, while Senegal reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s elite sides. The Lions of Teranga march on, eyeing another continental crown, while the Eagles bow out with lessons learned from a valiant but costly defeat.
