Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-finals with a narrow 1–0 win over Mali in Tangier.
Everton striker Iliman Ndiaye scored the match’s only goal in the 27th minute, giving the Lions of Teranga the edge in a tightly contested West African derby. Mali’s challenge suffered a setback when Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card in stoppage time of the first half, leaving his team with ten men.
The victory extends Senegal’s dominance over Mali, keeping them unbeaten against their neighbours and marking their fifth semi-final appearance in AFCON history. The team also maintains an impressive run of 15 consecutive matches without defeat in the tournament.
Mali had reached the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout win over Tunisia in the Round of 16 but were unable to breach Senegal’s organised defence. The Eagles, who had drawn all their matches in regulation time, exit the tournament without reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2013.
Senegal now move closer to continental glory, setting up a high-stakes semi-final as AFCON 2025 enters its final stages.
