Senegal have taken the first decisive step towards the trophy, booking a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with a victory over Mali.

The hero of the night was Iliman Ndiaye. The Everton forward scored the only goal of the match, once again proving his value on the biggest international stage and sending the Lions of Teranga into the last four.

The decisive moment came midway through the first half. In the 27th minute, a low ball into the box caused chaos in the Mali defence. The Malian goalkeeper failed to secure the ball, and Ndiaye reacted quickest, smashing the rebound home from close range with ruthless efficiency.

From that point on, Senegal managed the game with maturity and control. Their task was made significantly easier after the break, when Mali were reduced to ten men. Yves Bissouma, the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, received a second yellow card, leaving his side to chase the game a man down for the entire second half.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Mali - Senegal 0:1 (0:1)
Goals: Ndiaye Il., 27 (0:1)

Mali: Diarra Dj.; Traore Ha-i; Diaby A.; Camara O.; Gassama; Haidara A. (Dorgeles, 55); Bissouma (till 45); Dieng Al. (Diakite G., 69); Sangaré (Doumbia K., 82); Coulibaly L. (Doumbia M., 82); Sinayoko (Toure E.B., 82)
Substitution: Dorgeles (from 55); Diakite G. (from 69); Doumbia M. (from 82); Doumbia K. (from 82); Toure E.B. (from 82); Doumbia M-u (from 82)
Bench: Diawara I.; Samassa; Dante Am.; Niakate N.; Doucoure F.; Fofana M.; Sissoko I.; Camara Moh.; Camara Mam.
Yellow Cards: Bissouma 23, 45; Traore Ha-i 90
Red cards: Bissouma 45'

Senegal: Mendy Ed.; Koulibaly K.; Niakhaté; Gueye P.A. (Camara L., 62); Gueye I.; Diarra H. (Ciss P., 62); Mane Sa.; Diouf Mal.; Ndiaye Il. (Mbaye, 75); Diatta; Diallo H. (Ndiaye, 75)
Substitution: Ciss P. (from 62); Camara L. (from 62); Mbaye (from 75); Ndiaye (from 75)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Diaw M.; Sarr; Seck A.; Jakobs I.; Mendy An.; Sarr P.; Sarr Is.; Sabaly C.; Jackson N.; Dia B.
Yellow Cards: Gueye P.A. 29; Diarra H. 56; Diallo H. 61; Mbaye 83; Koulibaly K. 90