Senegal do just enough to beat 10-man Mali & secure AFCON semi-final berth

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Senegal do just enough to beat 10-man Mali & secure AFCON semi-final berth
Image - CAF

Senegal have made it to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Mali on Friday night.

The Eagles were expected to give the 2021 winners a run for their money owing to their brave showing in the Round of 16 where they endured a tough outing to eliminate Tunisia despite being a man down.

The Lions of Teranga were expected to dig deep despite their quality, and grab their ticket for the semi-final.

First-Half: Hero turns villain as Bissouma sees red!

Senegal started the game brightly in search of an early goal which would have distabilised their West African rivals.

In the 10th minute, Pape Gueye had a chance to hit the target but his effort was brilliantly stoped by one of the Mali defenders for unfruitful corner. The Villarreal man was at it again in the 21st minute but his stinging effort bounced off his teammate.

The Teranga Lions finally got their goal six minutes later. Yanga SC goalkeeper Djigui Diarra who helped Mali get into the quarters, allowed the ball to creep under his arms allowing Iliman Ndiaye find the back of the net.

However, the first half ended badly for the Eagles as their captain Yves Bissouma was sent to early showers after a second bookable offense.

Senegal waste chances but advance

Gueye could have made it 2-0 three minutes after the pause, but Diarra was there to ensure the ball doesn’t find the back of the net. Senegal had another massive opportunity in the 53rd minute, but his header narrowly missed the target.

Mali could have equalised after 57 minutes as Abdoulaye Diaby connects with the ball well about six yards from the Senegal goal, but former Chelsea custodian Edouard Mendy pulled a brilliant save to deny him.

Legendary winger Sadio Mane thought he had done enough to put his name on the scoresheet, but it didn’t happen as Diarra rose for the occassion in the 66th minute to deny him.

In the stoppages, Diarra, once again, showed his agility by making a brilliant save to stop Lamine Camara from doubling the advantage. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop Senegal from grabbing the semi-final ticket.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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