Senegal advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after sealing a narrow 1–0 victory over Mali in a tightly contested quarter-final encounter at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Iliman Ndiaye struck clinically, giving the defending champions the lead during a period of sustained Senegalese dominance.

Ndiaye’s goal arrived in the 27th minute, finishing off a well-constructed attacking sequence as Aliou Cissé’s men piled pressure on the Malian backline.

Senegal controlled the rhythm of the match from early on, dictating possession and keeping Mali pinned in their own half for extended periods. Their advantage grew just before the interval when Mali’s Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving his side to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Despite being reduced to a man down, Mali returned from the break with renewed determination. Their substitutions added some spark, but they struggled to break through a compact and disciplined Senegal defence anchored by captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

Senegal continued to create chances throughout the second half, recording 18 attempts on goal — nine of which forced saves from the Malian goalkeeper.

As the match approached its final minutes, the intensity increased and the referee issued several bookings, reflecting the physical nature of the closing exchanges. Nevertheless, Senegal maintained their composure and protected their slim advantage until the final whistle.

With this victory, Senegal secure a place in the semi-finals, where they will battle the winner of the Egypt vs. Ivory Coast quarter-final showdown. That fixture is set for Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m., while Senegal’s semi-final match will take place on Wednesday, January 14.

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