Senegal became the first team to book a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Mali 1–0 in a tense quarterfinal clash in Tangier on Friday.

Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye proved the difference, pouncing on a costly goalkeeping error to keep the Lions of Teranga firmly on track in their bid for a second continental crown.

The contest burst into life early, with Mali feeling hard done by in the third minute when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a sliding challenge from Kalidou Koulibaly inside the box. The referee, however, waved away the appeals and VAR backed the on-field decision. Senegal had penalty shouts of their own moments later when the ball struck Abdoulaye Diaby’s arm, but the officials again ruled no offence.

Mali captain Yves Bissouma entered the referee’s book in the 23rd minute for an arm to the face of Sadio Mané, and four minutes later Senegal made their pressure count. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled Ismaïla Sarr’s low delivery, allowing Ndiaye to react quickest and tap home from close range.

Mali’s task became even more difficult just before the break when Bissouma was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye, reducing Tom Saintfiet’s side to ten men.

Despite the setback, Mali showed resilience after the restart and went close to an equaliser almost immediately, only for Edouard Mendy to produce a sharp save at close range and then smother the rebound. Ousmane Camara later forced another stop from the Senegal goalkeeper, though the offside flag eventually went up.

At the other end, Diarra redeemed himself with a string of fine saves to keep Mali alive, denying Mané in the 67th minute before twice thwarting Pathé Ciss, including a one-on-one in the 76th minute.

Mali pushed desperately in the closing stages, but Senegal’s defence held firm to see out the narrow victory. Ndiaye’s first-half goal ultimately settled the contest, ending Mali’s AFCON journey and sending Senegal into the last four.

The reigning champions will now await their semifinal opponents, with Egypt set to face hosts Ivory Coast in Agadir on Saturday.