Senegal Secures First AFCON 2025 Semifinal Spot with Victory Over Mali. Tangiers, Morocco — Senegal’s football team booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 win over Mali in Tangiers on Friday.
The victory was secured in the first half when striker Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a Mali goalkeeper’s mistake to score the only goal of the match.
The match was marred by a controversial moment in the first half when Mali captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after being shown a second yellow card. Mali, already down to 10 men, struggled to keep up with Senegal’s attack.
The goal came after a mix — up in the Mali defense, allowing Krepin Diatta to cross the ball into the box, where Ndiaye was able to tap in the loose ball.
Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made several excellent saves throughout the match but was unable to prevent the decisive goal. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was also involved in an early incident, where Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko appealed for a penalty, claiming he was fouled by Koulibaly.
However, the South African referee waved play on, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the decision was correct.
Bissouma was initially yellow — carded for fouling Sadio Mane, and the second yellow came when he fouled Idrissa Gueye in midfield. Mali’s appeal for a VAR review was rejected.
Despite being a man down, Mali showed great resilience, coming close to equalizing when Abdoulaye Diaby’s close-range shot was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal’s next opponents in the semifinals will be either Ivory Coast or Egypt, who will face off in a match on Saturday. Further details are expected as the tournament progresses.
