Sports
Senegal vs Mali: Ndiaye Goal Sends Champions Into AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals
Senegal have sealed a place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in Tangier on Sunday night.
The reigning African champions struck the decisive blow in the first half through Iliman Ndiaye, whose clinical finish proved enough to settle a tense West African derby. Ndiaye capitalised on a moment of space in the Mali defence, calmly converting to hand the Lions of Teranga an early advantage.
Mali responded strongly after the break, increasing the tempo and pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Their determination and physicality tested Senegal’s resolve, but Aliou Cissé’s side remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear-cut chances and controlling key phases of the contest.
Senegal’s defensive organisation and game management once again came to the fore as they saw out the match with authority. The win extends their unbeaten run at the tournament and underlines their growing reputation for composure in knockout football.
For Mali, the defeat brings an end to an impressive campaign in Tangier. Despite the loss, they showed courage and competitiveness throughout the tournament, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most difficult teams to face.
Senegal now advance to the semi-finals, keeping alive their quest to defend the AFCON title as the pressure and stakes continue to rise in Morocco.
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