Senegal have secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in Tangiers on Friday. The decisive moment came from recalled forward Iliman Ndiaye, whose first-half goal proved enough to see off a resilient Malian side that played over half the match with ten men.
Ndiaye Pounces on Keeper Error for Decisive Goal
The only goal of the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final arrived in the 27th minute. A fluid Senegal attacking move culminated in a Krepin Diatta cross that Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to handle, allowing the ball to slip under his body. Iliman Ndiaye was the quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball to bundle it into the net and give Senegal a deserved lead on a cold, cloudy evening in the Mediterranean city.
Bissouma's Red Card Compounds Mali's Struggles
Mali's hopes of a comeback suffered a massive blow in first-half added time. Captain Yves Bissouma, who had already been booked for a foul on Sadio Mané, received a second yellow card for bringing down Idrissa Gueye in midfield. The referee's decision stood after a VAR check, leaving Mali to play the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage.
Earlier, Mali had appealed for a penalty inside three minutes when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a challenge from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly. The referee waved play on, and VAR confirmed no penalty, with replays suggesting simulation.
Mali Fight Back But Senegal Hold Firm
Despite being a man down, Mali showed the same resilience they displayed in the previous round against Tunisia. They pressed for an equaliser after the break and came close in the 55th minute when Abdoulaye Diaby forced a sharp reflex save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, at fault for the goal, redeemed himself with a series of outstanding saves to keep his team in contention. He denied Pape Gueye from distance and later blocked efforts from Pathe Ciss. In a tense finale, he pushed away a fierce Lamine Camara volley during seven minutes of added time.
Senegal managed the second half with composure, introducing 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye late on, while goalscorer Ndiaye was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining.
The victory sends Senegal into the semi-finals of the tournament, where they will face the winner of Saturday's clash between defending champions Ivory Coast and seven-time winners Egypt.
