Senegal squeeze past 10-man Mali to book semi-final

Senegal claimed a 1-0 victory over Mali in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations first quarter-final clash at Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday afternoon.

 Senegal dominated proceedings early on but could not break down Mali’s compact defence.

Mali created the game’s first clear opening when Nathan Gassama picked out Lassine Sinayoko, who looked to be through on goal, but was denied by a vital block. Senegal eventually took the lead, as Iliman Ndiaye slipped the ball through to Krepin Diatta, whose cutback was spilled by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra into the path of the Everton forward, who put it home.Pape Gueye almost doubled the Teranga Lions with a shot from outside the area, which narrowly drifted wide, much to the frustration of the Villarreal midfielder.Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence before halftime, further complicating Mali’s task. Two minutes after the restart, Edouard Mendy made his first save of the game, keeping out Sinayoko’s attempt at the near post.

Diarra was immediately called to action at the other end, turning Idrissa Gueye’s long-range shot behind for a corner.

 Just before the hour mark, Mendy made another good save, denying Abdoulaye Diaby from altering the scoreline.

Diarra then kept Mali in the contest with two quick saves, first stopping Sadio Mane’s shot before reacting sharply to keep out Pathe Ciss’ header.

Senegal looked the likeliest to score before the final whistle, but were repeatedly denied by the Malian goalkeeper.

 Pape Thiaw’s side will now face either Egypt or defending champions Ivory Coast in next Wednesday’s semi-finals