TANGIER, Morocco: Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proved decisive as Senegal secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 10-man Mali in Friday’s quarter-final. The win marks Senegal’s third semi-final appearance in the last four AFCON tournaments, underlining their consistency at the continental level.
Ndiaye struck in the 27th minute, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to give Senegal the lead in a tense West African derby. The breakthrough eased pressure on the defending champions, who controlled much of the contest thereafter.
Mali’s task became significantly harder just before the break when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second yellow card. Already booked for a clumsy challenge earlier in the half, Bissouma was dismissed after committing an unnecessary foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Unlike their previous match against Tunisia, where they survived with 10 men before advancing on penalties, Mali could not mount another escape. Senegal remained composed and organised in the second half, seeing out the narrow win to book their place in the last four.
