AFCON 2025 | Result
- Mali 0-1 Senegal
Senegal is the first country to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Iliman Ndiaye’s lonely strike was enough for Senegal to secure the maiden spot in the 2025 AFCON semifinals.
Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mali in the quarterfinals encounter of the 2025 AFCON in Tanger on Friday evening.
The Teranga Lions came out their blocks early showing intent and hunger for bragging rights on the day. Malick Diouf whipped in a dangerous but it wet out begging.
Under 10 minutes, Senegal nearly gave away a penalty after Kalidou Koulibaly Lassine Sinayoko in the box but the referee was not interested.
Midway through the first stanza, Koulibaly’s misplaced pass was met by Sinayoko but the forward was tracked down by the industrious Krepin Diatta.
Ndiaye broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. The agile forward was in the right position to tap home from close range after Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diara failed to take full hold of Diatta’s powerful delivery.
At the stroke of the opening stanza, Mali’s troubles worsened after Yves Bissouma was given a second booking after a reckless challenge and the Eagles were reduced to 10 men.
Despite being a man less, Mali asked Senegal some questions but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood firm and tall in between the sticks.
Mali’s fairytale comes to an end as their fight and grit could not take them past the 2021 AFCON champions.