Senegal defeats Mali 1-0 to reach semifinals

Senegal edged Mali 1–0 in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals in Tangier, securing a place in the semi-finals

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, proving enough to separate the two West African rivals. Mali’s challenge suffered a major blow when Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card in added time before halftime, resulting in a red.

The narrow victory extends Senegal’s dominance over Mali — the Lions of Teranga remain unbeaten against their neighbours and advance to the AFCON semi-finals for the fifth time in history. Senegal also maintain their remarkable run of 15 consecutive matches without defeat in the tournament, one of the longest streaks in AFCON history.

Mali, who had progressed from the Round of 16 via penalties against Tunisia, struggled to break down Senegal’s disciplined defence. The Eagles, winless in regulation time throughout the tournament, exit without reaching a semi-final for the first time since 2013.

Senegal now move closer to continental glory and will face a high-stakes semi-final clash as AFCON 2025 reaches its final stages.