The quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 have ignited the footballing world, and the clash between Senegal and Mali on January 9th has certainly lived up to the occasion. With both teams vying for a coveted spot in the semi-finals, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric from the opening whistle. Yet, as the first half drew to a close, it was Senegal who seized the initiative, leading 1-0 courtesy of a decisive moment from their star forward, Iliman Ndiaye.
The anticipation was palpable leading into this tie. Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions from 2021, arrived with the weight of expectation on their shoulders and a squad brimming with talent. Mali, on the other hand, were determined to upset the favorites and make their own mark in tournament history. But as the clock ticked toward the half-hour mark, it was Ndiaye who broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a defensive blunder that left Malian supporters stunned.
In the 27th minute, a scramble in the box saw Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye pounce on a monumental mistake from Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The forward kept his composure amidst the chaos, slotting the ball home to give Senegal the lead. That goal wasn’t just vital for the scoreline—it marked Senegal’s 11th strike of the tournament, setting a new national record for most goals scored in a single AFCON edition. Never before had the Lions of Teranga been so prolific on this stage.
Senegal’s attacking prowess has been one of the stories of this AFCON. With each match, they’ve found new ways to unlock defenses, and Ndiaye has been at the heart of it all. Despite picking up a knock in Senegal’s penultimate group stage match against Benin, the 25-year-old forward shrugged off fitness concerns to play a pivotal role in this quarter-final. According to Senegalese journalist Saikou Seydi, "Iliman has become a very important player for Senegal. His technical skill and dribbling ability greatly benefit the team. He can be the team’s technical leader after Sadio Mane. If Iliman gets back to full fitness, Senegal will win AFCON."
Such praise isn’t unwarranted. Ndiaye’s influence stretches beyond the national team. At Everton, his absence has been sorely felt, with manager David Moyes hoping that his star man remains at the club beyond the January transfer window. The Toffees have struggled to find attacking solutions without him, and the possibility of Ndiaye missing further matches if Senegal progress deeper into the tournament has left fans anxious. Everton may have to wait until their clash against Leeds on January 26th to see their forward return, should Senegal continue their impressive run.
The transfer rumor mill has also been swirling, with Liverpool reportedly interested in Ndiaye as Mohamed Salah’s illustrious tenure at Anfield nears its end. While no deal is imminent, the speculation only underscores the forward’s rising stock in European football. "I don’t know what he’ll decide next, but I think with any high-performing player, it’s normal for clubs to be interested. But if I were his advisor, I would advise him to stay at Everton until the end of the season," Seydi added, reflecting the sentiments of many Evertonians who dread the thought of losing their talisman to their city rivals.
Back on the pitch, Senegal’s first-half performance was nothing short of dominant. The defending champions showcased their experience and tactical discipline, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Mali, for their part, struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities, often finding themselves stifled by a resolute Senegalese backline marshaled by the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly. Sadio Mane, another of Senegal’s key figures, provided his trademark energy and creativity, keeping the Malian defense on high alert throughout.
The match’s significance was heightened by the broader context of AFCON 2025. With Morocco and Cameroon set to face off later in the evening, the day marked the true beginning of the tournament’s knockout drama. Fans across Africa and beyond tuned in to witness which teams would emerge as genuine contenders for the continental crown. The stakes could hardly be higher, and every moment on the pitch felt loaded with consequence.
For Senegal, reaching the semi-finals would not only reinforce their status as Africa’s premier footballing nation but also serve as a testament to their evolution as an attacking force. The record-breaking 11th goal scored by Ndiaye is emblematic of a team that has learned to blend defensive solidity with offensive flair—a combination that could well see them retain their title if they maintain this trajectory.
Meanwhile, Mali’s journey is far from over. Despite trailing at halftime, they possess the talent and resilience to mount a comeback. The likes of their midfield engine and attacking threats have shown flashes of brilliance in previous rounds, and with 45 minutes (and potentially more) left to play, anything can happen. The unpredictable nature of knockout football means that a single moment can change the course of a match—and perhaps even the tournament itself.
Coverage of the AFCON quarter-finals has been extensive, with broadcasters across the globe bringing the action to fans everywhere. From beIN Sports to SuperSport and local channels in Senegal and Mali, the eyes of the continent are firmly fixed on this encounter. The drama unfolding in the stadium is mirrored by the excitement in living rooms, bars, and fan zones from Dakar to Bamako and beyond.
As the second half beckons, all eyes remain on Iliman Ndiaye and his teammates. Can Senegal build on their lead and continue their march toward back-to-back AFCON triumphs? Or will Mali find inspiration and turn the tide in their favor? With so much at stake and the outcome still hanging in the balance, football fans are in for a thrilling conclusion.
One thing is certain: the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Senegal and Mali is delivering the kind of excitement and high-stakes drama that makes this tournament special. With records broken, stars shining, and the promise of more twists to come, the road to AFCON glory is as captivating as ever. The action continues, and the dream remains alive for both sides as the battle for a place in the semi-finals rages on.
