Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike was enough to send Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals as the edged a stubborn Mali side 1-0 in Tangier.
The forward capitalised on a rare goalkeeping error on 27 minutes, reacting quickest after Djigui Diarra spilled Krépin Diatta’s cross to bundle home from close range. It proved the decisive moment in a tight quarter-final settled by fine margins.
Senegal started brightly and almost made an immediate breakthrough, but they also rode their luck early on when captain Kalidou Koulibaly escaped punishment after a clumsy challenge on Lassine Sinayoko inside the area. Mali had their moments in the opening half yet failed to make them count.
The game swung further in Senegal’s favour in first-half stoppage time when Mali captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second reckless challenge, leaving Tom Saintfiet’s side to play the second half with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali emerged with renewed intent after the break. Sinayoko forced Edouard Mendy into his first save of the match, before Abdoulaye Diaby also tested the Senegal goalkeeper as Mali pushed for an equaliser.
Concerned by the momentum shift, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw turned to his bench, introducing Lamine Camara and Pathé Ciss to restore control.
Ciss went close with a header, while Camara’s ambitious late volley was tipped onto the post by Diarra, who partially redeemed himself after his earlier mistake.
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The Teranga lions were far from fluent and ended the match under pressure, but they held firm to extend their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes at the Africa Cup of Nations to 16 matches.
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It was Senegal’s first AFCON finals victory by a single-goal margin in four years, yet it keeps their title defence alive. They will return to the Tangier Grand Stadium in five days time to face either Egypt or Ivory Coast for a place in the final.
