Senegal booked their place in the AFCON semi-finals with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over 10-man Mali on Friday, reaching the last four for the third time in the past four tournaments.
Match Highlight
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute through Iliman Ndiaye. The forward started the move on the right flank before combining with Krépin Diatta. Diatta’s low delivery slipped from the grasp of Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, allowing Ndiaye to pounce and finish from close range.
Mali’s challenge was dealt a major blow just before halftime when captain Yves Bissouma was shown a second yellow card. Already booked earlier, the midfielder was dismissed after a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye, leaving Mali to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali refused to collapse and were kept in the contest largely by Diarra. The goalkeeper produced a series of fine saves after the break to deny Gueye, Sadio Mané, Pathé Ciss, and Lamine Camara, as Senegal dominated possession but failed to add to their lead.
Reaction And Semi-Final Outlook
“It was not an easy match because we played against a very talented Mali team, but we achieved our objective,” Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players’ effort, adding, “My players played gallantly and very well.”
Senegal will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Egypt and defending champions Ivory Coast as they continue their push for another AFCON title.
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