Senegal Edge Mali to Reach AFCON Semifinals After Red Card Drama
Ndiaye strikes as Senegal take control
Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali in Tangiers. Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the first half as Aliou Cissé’s side made their dominance count in a tense quarterfinal.
The breakthrough came after 27 minutes. Ndiaye was heavily involved in the move before Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to deal with a cross from Krepin Diatta, allowing the ball to slip under his body. Ndiaye reacted quickest to poke the loose ball into the net, handing Senegal a deserved lead after controlling possession in the opening stages.
Mali reduced to 10 before the break
Mali’s task became far harder in first-half stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off. Already on a booking for fouling Sadio Mané, the midfielder received a second yellow after catching Idrissa Gueye in midfield. Appeals for VAR intervention were rejected, leaving Mali with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Earlier, Mali had appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when Lassine Sinayoko went down under pressure from Kalidou Koulibaly. Replays showed simulation, and VAR backed the referee’s decision.
Senegal miss chances as Mali show spirit
Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal struggled to put the game to bed. Pape Gueye went close with a long-range effort, while Diarra redeemed his earlier mistake with a string of excellent saves to keep Mali alive.
Mali showed remarkable resilience after the interval, echoing the spirit they displayed in the previous round. Abdoulaye Diaby forced a sharp reflex save from Edouard Mendy, and Diarra continued to frustrate Senegal by denying Pathe Ciss and Lamine Camara late on.
Seventeen-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was introduced in the closing stages, but Senegal were forced to withstand late pressure as Mali pushed for an equaliser during extended stoppage time.
Senegal march on
In the end, Ndiaye’s first-half strike proved enough. Senegal now move into the semifinals, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt.
