Senegal’s Lions of Teranga are through to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Mali at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Friday evening.

The Senegalese were the clear favourites going into the game, but a couple of early threats made the Malian side look like they were going to make the 2021 African champions work much harder for a win.

However, a mistake by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra in the 27th minute, as the ball he was trying to catch slipped through his hands, allowed Iliman Ndiaye to immediately put it into the back of the net and give Senegal the lead.

Mali’s squad depth was further depleted just before the halftime break when the team’s key player, Yves Bissouma, was sent off after the Tottenham midfielder received a second yellow card.

On resumption of the second half, Mali pushed hard for an equaliser with renewed energy, but Senegal’s defensive organisation and game management proved decisive as they protected their lead and secured the victory.

Meanwhile, Senegal will face the winner of the semifinal match between Egypt and Ivory Coast for a place in the final of this year’s tournament.