It was a night of high drama in Tangier as Senegal edged past Mali 1-0 to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye delivered the decisive moment, netting his first-ever AFCON goal with a simple tap-in after a defensive lapse from Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The result keeps Senegal’s impressive tournament run alive and sends the 2021 champions into a heavyweight semi-final clash against either Egypt or Ivory Coast.
Senegal, who came into this quarter-final as strong favorites, lived up to their billing—though not without a few heart-stopping moments along the way. The Lions of Teranga have been on a tear this tournament, scoring 10 goals in their first four matches and maintaining an unbeaten record in regulation time across their last 15 AFCON games. Their attacking prowess, led by captain Sadio Mane, has been the envy of the competition, but on this occasion, it was Ndiaye who stole the show.
The match’s early minutes were not without controversy. In just the third minute, Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko appeared to be caught by Senegal’s returning skipper Kalidou Koulibaly inside the penalty area. However, referee Abongile Tom, who has become something of a nemesis for Mali in this tournament, waved play on and the video assistant referee chose not to intervene. That decision set the tone for a contest filled with tension and, at times, frustration for the Eagles.
Senegal’s midfield dynamo Pape Gueye, who has been in sparkling form with a brace in the last-16, started brightly with two efforts sailing wide. But it was the 37th minute when the breakthrough finally arrived. Krepin Diatta whipped in a low cross from the right, and Diarra, who had been Mali’s penalty hero in the previous round, failed to gather the ball cleanly. The error left Ndiaye with the simplest of tasks: a five-yard tap-in into an empty net. The Senegalese fans erupted, sensing that their team was on course for another step toward continental glory.
Mali’s troubles deepened just before halftime. Their captain, Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye, reducing the Eagles to 10 men. It was the third consecutive match in Morocco where Mali finished with a man down, a statistic that will surely haunt coach Tom Saintfiet and his squad. According to the match report, “Bissouma, who has not played a single minute for club side Tottenham this season, picked up his second caution for a late challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye on halfway.”
The Eagles, already struggling to find rhythm, now faced an uphill battle. Yet, they nearly found a way back into the contest in first-half stoppage time. El Hadji Malick Diouf’s powerful shot was tipped onto the bar by Diarra, keeping Mali’s hopes alive, if only briefly. The second half saw Senegal’s Edouard Mendy called into action, denying Abdoulaye Diaby from a free-kick and then smothering a low cross from Sinayoko. Mendy’s composure between the posts was a key factor in keeping Senegal’s lead intact.
Senegal, for their part, continued to press for a second goal, with Sadio Mane and Pathe Ciss both forcing smart saves from Diarra. Ciss, in particular, will rue his missed opportunity after capitalizing on a defensive error, only to shoot straight at the keeper. As the minutes ticked away, Mali’s sense of desperation grew, but they rarely threatened to carve out a clear chance. Their best moment in the dying seconds came when Lassine Camara’s dipping volley was diverted onto the post by Diarra, but it was too little, too late.
For Mali, the exit is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite reaching the quarter-finals, the Eagles failed to win a single match in open play throughout the tournament. Their repeated disciplinary issues—three red cards in as many games—ultimately proved costly. “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 outing in Morocco,” noted the match report. Referee Abongile Tom, who also sent off Woyo Coulibaly in Mali’s last-16 clash against Tunisia, once again found himself at the center of the action.
Senegal’s journey to the last four has been characterized by resilience and attacking flair. The team, managed by Pape Thiaw, has shown the ability to respond to adversity, notably coming from behind in their round-of-16 win over Sudan. With a squad brimming with talent—Nicholas Jackson, Pape Sarr, and of course, Sadio Mane—the Lions of Teranga have averaged 2.5 goals per game in this tournament. Their defensive solidity, anchored by Mendy and Koulibaly, has made them a formidable opponent for any side.
Betting experts had predicted Senegal’s dominance, with odds favoring them to win and score over 1.5 goals. Sadio Mane, who has been involved in four goals (one goal and three assists) in his last three internationals, was tipped as a likely scorer, though he couldn’t find the net on this occasion. Mali, on the other hand, came into the match on a run of five consecutive draws, their inability to turn stalemates into victories ultimately their undoing.
Historically, Mali’s AFCON quarter-final outings have been fraught with tension, often requiring penalties to separate the sides. This time, however, they couldn’t even force extra time, bowing out at the same stage as in the previous tournament. Their talented squad, featuring the likes of Bissouma, Sinayoko, and Diaby, will be left pondering what might have been had discipline not deserted them at crucial moments.
Senegal now looks ahead to a mouthwatering semi-final in Agadir on January 11, 2026, where they will face either record seven-time champions Egypt or holders Ivory Coast. The road to a second continental title remains challenging, but with momentum and history on their side, the Lions of Teranga will fancy their chances.
As the dust settles on a dramatic night in Tangier, Senegal’s fans can dare to dream, while Mali must regroup and reflect on another campaign that promised much but ultimately fell short. The stage is set for an epic showdown in the semi-finals—African football fans, don’t blink!
