AFCON 2025:Everton star on target as Senegal overcome 10-man Mali to reach semis
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 09.01.26. | 21:52
The Lions of Teranga will face the winner between Egypt and Ivory Coast
Senegal cruised to semi finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Mali 1-0 on Friday, 9 January at the Stade Idn Batouta in Tangier.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and scored the all important goal, in a match that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma was shown a red card.
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Senegal headed into the match on a good run of form, finishing top of Group D with seven points and handing Sudan a 3-1 beating in the Round of 16.
Mali, on the other hand, finished second in Group A with three points after drawing all the group matches, before downing Tunisia 3-3 on post match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
On head to head, The Lions of Teranga had an edge over The Eagles, enjoying a 13-match unbeaten run that included six wins and seven draws.
Mali began the match as the better side, controlling the game through possession, engaging short passes that forced Senegal to put a spirited chase in the first five minutes.
From the sixth minute, Senegal started to grow in confidence and by the 10th minute, they had gained control of the match.
However, just like it was with Mali, Senegal also had no significant statistic or event to account for their good spell in possession at the 20th-minute minute mark.
Bissouma was the first to be booked following a late challenge.
Mali had the first major chance of the match when Nathan Gassama unleashed a strike from the edge of the box but his goal-bound effort was blocked after hitting a defender.
Senegal would then take the lead in the 27th minute through Ndiaye, who was quick to pounce on a rebound and slot the ball into the back of the net.
Buoyed by the goal, Senegal enjoyed a good spell and had another opportunity to score but Papa Gueye’s shot went wide.
Mali were reduced to 10 men after Bissouma received a red card for dissent.
In the second half, Senegal came back a much stronger side and had the first chance of the half but Sadio Mane’s effort flew wide.
Mali had to wait until the 66th minut for their chance which fell to Abdulaye Diaby who unleashed a shot that went inches wide.
Mali were on the back foot for the rest of the match, hoping to hit Senegal on the counter, while the 2021 champions chose to dictate the match through possession .
Nevertheless, the scoreline did not change with Senegal claiming th-0 victory.
The win took Senegal to the last four, awaiting the winner the clash between Egypt and Ivory Coast.
