Africa Cup Of Nations | Friday January 9 | QF
- Senegal 1-0 Mali
Iliman Ndiaye was the difference as defending champions Senegal edged Mali 1-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in Tangier on Friday night.
On a rain-soaked evening at the Grand Stade de Tanger, Ndiaye’s first-half goal proved decisive in a tense West African derby.
The Everton forward struck in the 27th minute, reacting fastest to tap home after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled Krépin Diatta’s low cross on the slippery surface.
The wet conditions played their part, but the goal reflected Senegal’s growing control after a lively opening spell from Mali.
Moments later, the game swung further in Senegal’s favour when Mali captain Yves Bissouma was sent off.
Already booked for a foul on Sadio Mané, the midfielder received a second yellow in first-half stoppage time for a challenge on Idrissa Gueye.
Down to 10 men, Mali dug deep after the break, defending bravely and looking for rare counter-attacking chances.
Senegal stayed patient and composed, managing the game well and creating opportunities to seal it.
Diarra made amends late on by denying Mané in stoppage time, keeping the margin narrow until the end.
Senegal, champions in 2021, now move into the last four and will face the winner of the quarter-final between Egypt and Ivory Coast on Wednesday, also in Tangier.
