Iliman Ndiaye’s first half strike was enough to send Senegal into the semifinal of the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament after a 1-0 win over 10-man Mali, SportPremi Reports.
The Everton attacker scored from a move he started after a mistake by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, before the Eagles were reduced to 10 in first half stoppage time as Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second caution.
The Lions of Teranga will now wait to determine their opponents in the last four, with the quarterfinal clash between Ivory Coast and Egypt set to take place tomorrow.
First half: Ndiaye puts Senegal ahead, Mali reduced to 10
Mali came into the clash without a win in normal time and faced a Senegal side that scored three in their Round of 16 encounter.
There was controversy early on as Kalidou Koulibaly, who missed Senegal’s Round of 16 clash due to suspension made contact with Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko in the box, but appeals for a penalty was waved away by the referee.
Both sides had decent half chances, but the Lions of Teranga struck first in the 27th minute as Iliman Ndiaye got on the end of a spilled cross by the Eagles goalkeeper to finish from close range.
Senegal were denied a second goal by a brilliant save from Diarra, who stopped an effort from Malick Diouf in first half stoppage time.
There was more drama to come before the break as Yves Bissouma, already on a yellow card was sent off for his second booking of the game as Mali were reduced to 10 men for a third consecutive match.
Second half: Senegal close out win as Mali crash out
Idrissa Gueye had the first chance of the second half but his attempt was saved, before Mali went close through Abdoulaye Diaby, who was denied by a superb save from Edouard Mendy.
Sadio Mane also went close, but was denied by Diarra, who shrugged off his mistake for Senegal’s opener to keep his side in the game.
Substitute Pathe Ciss was then denied twice in succession by Mali’s number one shot-stopper, who also produced a late double save as the match ended 1-0 in favour of Senegal, who marched on into the next round, while Mali’s fairytale run ended at the quarterfinal stage once again.
Players Ratings:
Mali Players Ratings:
- Diarra – 7.3/10
- Traore – 7.4/10
- Diaby – 6.5/10
- Camara – 7.2/10
- Gassama – 7.7/10
- Bissouma – 5.4/10
- Dieng – 6.3/10
- Haidara – 6.0/10
- Sangare – 6.8/10
- Coulibaly – 6.0/10
- Sinayoko – 6.4/10
Substitutes
- Nene – 6.5/10
- Diakite – 6.5/10
- Doumbia – 6.2/10
- M. Doumbia – 6.0/10
- Toure – 6.0/10
Senegal Players Ratings:
- Mendy – 7.3/10
- Diouf – 7.3/10
- Niakhate – 7.4/10
- Koulibaly – 7.7/10
- Diatta – 8.4/10
- P. Gueye -6.7/10
- I. Gueye – 7.7/10
- Diarra – 6.4/10
- Mane – 7.8/10
- Diallo – 6.6/10
- Ndiaye – 8.0/10
Substitutes
- Camara – 6.8/10
- Ciss – 7.0/10
- Ndiaye – 6.0/10
- Mbaye – 5.9/10
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Mali 35% – 65% Senegal
Total Shots: Mali 8 – 19 Senegal
Shots on target: Mali 2 – 8 Senegal
Pass Accuracy: Mali 72% – 88% Senegal
Corners: Mali 5 – 7 Senegal
What next?
Senegal have advanced to the last four of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament and will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Ivory Coast and Egypt.
