Senegal Marches On: Lions Outlast Ten-Man Mali in Tangier

Senegal secured their spot in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals today with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger. In a match played under persistent rain, Iliman Ndiaye broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a handling error by Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra to fire home from close range.

The West African Derby shifted decisively in first-half stoppage time when Malian midfield lynchpin Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card, leaving the Eagles to play the entire second half with ten men. Despite a spirited defensive effort from Mali, the Lions of Teranga utilized their numerical advantage to control possession and preserve their lead.

The win extends Senegal’s unbeaten streak to 16 matches and keeps their title defense alive. Senegal now prepares for a heavyweight semi-final clash, while Mali exits the tournament having failed to record a victory in open play.