Senegal have advanced to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in a tense West African derby played in Tangier, Morocco.
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, giving the Lions of Teranga a slender advantage that they defended resolutely for the remainder of the quarter-final encounter.
Mali’s hopes of mounting a comeback were significantly diminished when Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma received a red card in added time at the end of the first half, having been shown a second yellow card. The dismissal left the Eagles to battle with ten men for the entire second period, ultimately proving too steep a handicap to overcome against one of the continent’s most defensively disciplined sides.
The result extends Senegal’s unbeaten run against Mali in recent history and marks their fifth appearance in an AFCON semi-final. The reigning continental champions, who lifted the trophy in 2022, continue to demonstrate the consistency and tactical solidity that have made them one of Africa’s most formidable national teams in recent years.
The match, played at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, was a closely contested affair between two sides familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Both nations, located in the Sahel region of West Africa, share cultural and linguistic ties, and their footballing rivalry has produced several memorable encounters over the years.
Senegal dominated possession for much of the first half, probing Mali’s defensive structure with patient build-up play. The breakthrough came midway through the opening period when Ndiaye, who has enjoyed a strong season with Everton in the English Premier League, found space inside the box and finished clinically to give his side the lead.
Mali responded with intensity, seeking an equaliser, but their efforts were undermined by Bissouma’s dismissal just before the interval. The Spurs midfielder, who had been cautioned earlier in the half, received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, forcing Mali coach Éric Chelle to reorganise his team for the second half.
Playing with a numerical disadvantage, Mali struggled to create clear-cut chances against a Senegal side that has built its recent success on defensive organisation and tactical discipline. The Eagles, who had shown resilience throughout the tournament, were unable to break down the Lions of Teranga’s backline, which held firm under sustained pressure in the closing stages.
The victory extends Senegal’s remarkable unbeaten run at the Africa Cup of Nations to 15 matches, one of the longest streaks in the competition’s history. That run includes their triumphant 2022 campaign in Cameroon, where they defeated Egypt on penalties in the final to claim their first-ever continental title.
Under the guidance of coach Aliou Cissé, Senegal have developed a reputation for consistency and mental toughness at major tournaments. The team boasts a blend of experience and youthful talent, with several players competing at the highest levels of European football.
The win over Mali also underscores Senegal’s dominance in this particular matchup. The Lions of Teranga have not lost to their neighbours in recent encounters, and their ability to manage tight matches has become a hallmark of their style under Cissé.
For Mali, the defeat marks a disappointing end to a tournament that had shown promise. The Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in the Round of 16, having drawn all their matches in regulation time prior to the Senegal clash.
Mali entered the quarter-final hoping to reach their first AFCON semi-final since 2013, when they finished fourth in South Africa. However, the inability to find the net against Senegal’s organised defence, compounded by Bissouma’s dismissal, proved decisive.
The Eagles’ exit continues a pattern of near-misses for a nation that has consistently produced talented players but struggled to translate that into silverware at continental level. Mali’s best AFCON performance remains their runners-up finish in 1972, and their quest for a first title will now have to wait at least another two years.
The Senegal-Mali rivalry is one rooted in geography, shared history, and mutual respect. Both nations emerged from French colonial rule in the 1960s and have maintained close diplomatic and cultural ties ever since. On the football pitch, however, the contests are fiercely competitive, with each side eager to assert regional dominance.
Senegal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent years, buoyed by a golden generation of players that includes Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mané, Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Paris Saint-Germain defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The depth of talent available to Cissé has allowed Senegal to remain competitive even when key players are unavailable or out of form.
Mali, meanwhile, have produced their own standout performers, including Bissouma, who plays for one of England’s top clubs, and several players competing in France’s Ligue 1. However, translating individual quality into collective success has proven elusive for the Eagles in recent tournaments.
Senegal’s progression to the last four keeps alive their bid to defend the continental title they won three years ago. The semi-final stage of AFCON 2025 is now set to feature some of the continent’s most accomplished sides, with the competition approaching its climax in Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga will face stiff competition as they seek to reach a second consecutive final. Their unbeaten streak and defensive resilience will be tested once again, but the team’s experience and tactical discipline make them formidable opponents for any side.
For Senegal, the dream of back-to-back AFCON titles remains alive. For Mali, the focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for future campaigns, as they continue their search for a first continental crown.
The semi-final draw is expected to take place in the coming days, with Senegal awaiting confirmation of their next opponents. As the tournament enters its decisive phase, the Lions of Teranga remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy when the final is played later this month.
