Senegal advanced to the AFCON semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Mali, aided by a decisive Illiman Ndiaye goal and a first-half red card for Yves Bissouma.
Senegal secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali in Tangier.
The match was decided by Illiman Ndiaye, who capitalized on a goalkeeping error midway through the first half.
Mali’s hopes of a comeback were severely hampered when Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half injury time after receiving a second yellow card for a needless challenge.
Despite playing with ten men, Mali remained competitive during a rain-soaked second half.
Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra redeemed his earlier mistake by making several spectacular saves to deny Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss.
However, the “Lions of Teranga” utilized their numerical advantage to control the tempo. Edouard Mendy was also called upon to preserve the lead, making crucial stops as Mali struggled to find an equalizer despite their persistence.
The victory ensures Senegal moves closer to another continental title, setting up a heavyweight semi-final clash against either Egypt or Ivory Coast.
For Mali, the defeat marks a disappointing end to a campaign defined by defensive resilience and penalty heroics.
While Diarra’s late-game performance kept the scoreline respectable, the early dismissal of Bissouma ultimately proved too great a mountain for “Les Aigles” to climb in the quarter-final.