SENEGAL have become the first team to advance to the semi-finals of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 1-0 victory over neighbours Mali tonight in Tangier.
Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half tap-in was enough for Senegal to earn the narrow quarter-final victory 10-man Eagles.
The Everton forward was on hand to convert from five yards after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra allowed Krepin Diatta’s low ball from the right to slip through his hands.
Diarra tipped a shot from El Hadji Malick Diouf on to the bar in first-half stoppage time, just before Mali captain and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy denied Abdoulaye Diaby in the second half before Diarra made saves from Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss.
Ciss missed another chance for the 2021 champions, shooting straight at Diarra after capitalising on a defensive error, and the Mali goalkeeper then diverted Lassine Camara’s dipping volley on to the right-hand post in added time.
Mali exit the tournament without winning a game after their repeated ill-discipline finally cost them, having had a man sent off for the third consecutive match in Morocco.
The Eagles will be happy to see the back of referee Abongile Tom, who was also in charge of their last-16 match against Tunisia and showed Woyo Coulibaly a straight red card.
Senegal will discover their semi-final opponents tomorrow night when record seven-time champions Egypt face holders Cote d’Ivoire in Agadir.