Senegal secured a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proving decisive in Tangiers.
The Teranga Lions took control of the quarter-final early on and were rewarded in the 27th minute when Ndiaye capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error. A low cross from Krepin Diatta slipped under the body of Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, and the recalled forward reacted quickest to turn the loose ball into the net.
Mali’s challenge suffered a major setback just before half-time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The midfielder had earlier been booked for a foul on Sadio Mané and was dismissed in first-half stoppage time for another infringement on Idrissa Gueye, leaving Mali to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali showed resilience after the break, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their best chance came in the 55th minute when Abdoulaye Diaby forced a sharp save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Although at fault for the goal, Diarra redeemed himself with a series of fine saves that kept Mali in contention. He denied Pape Gueye from long range, blocked efforts from Pathé Ciss, and pushed away a fierce volley from Lamine Camara during seven minutes of added time.
Mali had earlier appealed for a penalty inside the opening three minutes when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a challenge from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. However, the referee waved play on, with VAR confirming the decision and replays suggesting simulation.
Senegal managed the second half with composure, controlling possession and limiting Mali’s opportunities. Coach Aliou Cissé introduced 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye late in the game, while goalscorer Ndiaye was substituted with 15 minutes remaining.
The victory sends Senegal into the AFCON semi-finals, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt, who meet in the next quarter-final clash.
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