AFCON 2025: Senegal Edge 10-Man Mali to Set Up Semi-Final With Either Egypt or Ivory Coast

Senegal became the first team to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, defeating a resilient 10-man Mali side 1-0.

The victory extends the Teranga Lions' impressive unbeaten streak in the tournament to 16 matches within regular time (11 wins, 5 draws).

Senegal signaled their attacking intent from the outset, with West Ham United's El Hadji Malick Diouf delivering a threatening cross in the opening moments.

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However, it was Mali who nearly gained an early advantage when a challenge from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly on Lassine Sinayoko in the box went unpunished. The Eagles were left to rue another missed opportunity midway through the half when Sinayoko failed to capitalize on a misplaced pass from Koulibaly, being dispossessed by a timely tackle from Krépin Diatta.

Diatta quickly made his presence felt at the other end of the pitch. In the 27th minute, his cross was mishandled by Mali's goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, and Iliman Ndiaye was perfectly positioned to pounce on the loose ball and score the decisive goal.

Senegal pushed for a second, with Pape Gueye sending a long-range effort wide before Diouf was denied by an excellent save from Diarra. Mali's difficult first half worsened in stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving his team with a mountain to climb.

Despite being a man down, Mali started the second half with renewed purpose. Sinayoko forced Senegal's Édouard Mendy into his first save of the match, and the keeper was called upon again to deny centre-back Abdoulaye Diaby as the Eagles searched for an equalizer.

In response, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw brought on Lamine Camara and Pathé Ciss to restore control. Ciss soon tested Diarra with a header, and in stoppage time, Camara's ambitious volley was brilliantly tipped onto the post by the Malian keeper.

While the win was secured, it was a less-than-convincing performance from Senegal, marking their first one-goal victory in an AFCON finals match in four years. However, that previous 1-0 win against Zimbabwe came during their title-winning campaign, a fact that will surely encourage Thiaw and his squad as they prepare for a semi-final clash against either Egypt or Ivory Coast at the Tangier Grand Stadium.