Recalled forward Iliman Ndiaye struck in the first half as Senegal edged 10-man Mali 1–0 in Tangiers on Friday to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
Mali’s challenge was dealt a major blow deep into first-half stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving his side to play the remainder of the quarter-final a man down.
The decisive moment came after 27 minutes and stemmed from a costly error by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. He allowed a low cross from Krepin Diatta to slip beneath his body, and Ndiaye reacted quickest to fire the loose ball into the net.
Despite the mistake, Diarra went on to produce a series of outstanding saves to keep Mali in contention and prevent Senegal from extending their advantage.
Seeking a third final appearance in four editions, defending champions Senegal will now face either holders Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt, who meet on Saturday, for a place in the final.
“I am happy to win the player of the match award, but the most important thing is reaching the semi-finals,” Ndiaye said. “We played well and we are constantly improving.”
The 25-year-old Everton forward had started all three group games but was an unused substitute in Senegal’s last-16 victory over Sudan six days earlier.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents. “It was not an easy match against a talented Mali team. If we had been more clinical, we could have scored more goals,” he said.
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players’ resilience. “It was difficult because we had to play half the match with 10 men. I am proud of the players, not just tonight but throughout the AFCON,” he said.
Bissouma had earlier been booked midway through the first half for fouling Sadio Mane, the twice African Footballer of the Year. Moments later, Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko broke clear but was denied by a superb sliding tackle from fellow Ligue 1 player Krepin Diatta.
For the second consecutive knockout match, Mali were reduced to 10 men before the interval when Bissouma was dismissed for fouling Idrissa Gueye. Appeals for a VAR review were waved away.
As they had done against Tunisia in the round of 16, Mali showed tremendous spirit despite the numerical disadvantage. They went close to equalising on 55 minutes when Abdoulaye Diaby advanced for a free-kick, forcing a sharp reflex save from Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Diarra continued to atone for his earlier error with a string of fine saves, including denying substitute Pathe Ciss after he broke through late on and pushing away a Lamine Camara volley during seven minutes of stoppage time.
Ndiaye was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining, making way for 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, who had scored in the win over Sudan, as Senegal held firm to seal their place in the last four.
AFP
