Senegal booked their place within the AFCON 2025 semi-finals with a tense 1-0 victory over Mali on Friday evening on the Tangier Grand Stadium in Morocco. It was not fairly, nevertheless it was efficient. Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proved decisive because the reigning champions turned the primary staff into the final 4, extending their spectacular match consistency.
Mali, who had already made headlines for reaching the quarter-finals and not using a single win, as highlighted by SoftFootball earlier within the competitors, as soon as once more confirmed resilience however fell simply brief. The successful objective arrived within the twenty seventh minute and got here from sustained stress.
Krépin Diatta’s cross was poorly dealt with by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, and Ndiaye reacted quickest to faucet house from shut vary. Senegal regarded able to including extra, however Diarra recovered nicely, later producing a string of saves that stored Mali alive.
The Eagles’ earlier group stage grit, together with their hard-fought draw towards Morocco reported by SoftFootball, felt evident once more regardless of the deficit. The match tilted additional in Senegal’s favour simply earlier than the break when Mali captain Yves Bissouma was despatched off for a second yellow card.
Referee Abongile Tom confirmed little hesitation, and instantly Tom Saintfiet confronted the duty of inspiring a comeback with 10 males. Paradoxically, Mali confirmed extra ambition after the restart. Lassine Sinayoko examined Edouard Mendy, whereas Abdoulaye Diaby additionally pressured a save as Senegal briefly misplaced management.
Pape Thiaw responded by introducing Lamine Camara and Pathé Ciss to regular issues. Diarra continued to frustrate Senegal, denying Camara with a shocking volley tipped onto the put up late on. Seven minutes of stoppage time introduced nerves, yellow playing cards for Kalidou Koulibaly and Hamari Traoré, and loads of stress, however no equaliser.
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It was Senegal’s narrowest AFCON win in 4 years, but they won’t thoughts as they’re within the semi-final, as shared on the CAF official X account. They now await both Egypt or Ivory Coast within the semi-finals on January 14. Mali exit with delight, having fought onerous all through a match that once more confirmed they’re nearer than outcomes recommend.
