Senegal national team, Photo: x.com/CAF_Online 09 January 2026, 20:21

Senegal became a semi-finalist at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, narrowly beating Mali in the quarter-final match. The match in Tangier ended with a score of 1:0.

The decisive moment of the meeting happened in the 27th minute. After a mistake by Mali goalkeeper Gigi Diarra, the ball ended up in front of Iliman Ndiaye, who easily sent it into the net from close range.

Things got worse for Mali at the end of the first half when team captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite the numerical minority, the Malians had a strong second half and repeatedly threatened the opponent’s goal, but were unable to equalize the score.

As a result, Senegal held a minimal advantage and reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup-2025, where they will play against the winner of the pair Egypt – Ivory Coast. For Mali, the tournament ended at the quarter-final stage after a decent but dramatic defeat.

Small — Senegal 0:1
Goal: Ndiaye, 27

Subtraction: Bissouma, 45+3 (Mali)