Ndiaye Sends Senegal Into AFCON Semi-Finals
Abidjan – Iliman Ndiaye became the hero for Senegal as he scored the only goal in a tense 1-0 victory over 10-man Mali on Friday, propelling the defending champions into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in the last four tournaments. This hard-fought quarter-final clash at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny showcased Senegal’s resilience against a determined Mali side that played with one less player for much of the second half, keeping their hopes alive for back-to-back titles in a competition filled with upsets and drama.
A Cagey First Half Sets the Stage
The match started with both teams sizing each other up, creating few clear chances in a first half dominated by solid defending and midfield battles. Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cissé, looked to control possession with their experienced lineup, including stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly. Mali, under Eric Chelle, matched them step for step, relying on quick counters and the energy of players like Yves Bissouma to disrupt the rhythm.
No goals came before the break, but tension built as yellow cards flew early. Mali’s Hamari Traoré picked up a booking in the 32nd minute for a foul on Mané, a sign of the physical contest ahead. Fans in the packed stadium, waving flags and chanting, sensed a breakthrough was coming, but neither side could find the net in the opening 45 minutes, leaving everything to play for after the restart.
Red Card Shifts the Momentum
The game’s turning point arrived just 10 minutes into the second half when Mali defender Sikou Niakaté received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Senegal’s Habib Diallo. This left Mali down to 10 men, handing Senegal a numerical advantage they were quick to exploit. With more space on the pitch, the Teranga Lions ramped up their attacks, pressing high and creating openings that had been scarce earlier.
Mali dug in deep, switching to a more defensive setup to protect their goal, but Senegal’s persistence paid off in the 60th minute. A well-worked move saw Mané deliver a pinpoint cross from the left, finding Ndiaye unmarked in the box. The Sheffield United forward kept his cool, slotting the ball past Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with a composed finish to break the deadlock. The stadium erupted as Senegal took a 1-0 lead, a goal that proved decisive in a match where chances were at a premium.
Senegal’s Defence Holds Firm
With the lead in hand, Senegal shifted gears to protect their slim advantage, soaking up pressure from a resilient Mali side that refused to give up despite being a man short. Mali pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with substitutes like Lassine Sinayoko adding fresh legs, but Senegal’s backline, anchored by Koulibaly, stood tall. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a couple of key saves, including a sharp stop from a free-kick in the 75th minute, to keep a clean sheet.
As the clock ticked down, frustrations boiled over for Mali, leading to more bookings and a sense of desperation. Senegal managed the game smartly, controlling the tempo and running down time with smart possession play. The final whistle brought relief and joy for the Senegalese camp, securing their spot in the semi-finals where they will face either Guinea or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ndiaye’s Star Turn and Senegal’s Tournament Journey
At just 25 years old, Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a key figure for Senegal in this tournament, with his goal against Mali marking his second of the campaign. His journey from youth setups in France to starring on Africa’s biggest stage shows his growth, blending speed, technique, and finishing that make him a threat. Teammates and fans alike praised his calm under pressure, a trait that could prove vital as Senegal chase a second straight AFCON crown.
The Teranga Lions have had a solid run so far, topping their group with wins over Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia before edging Benin in the round of 16 on penalties. This quarter-final triumph keeps their unbeaten streak alive, building confidence for the semis. Mali, meanwhile, bow out after a brave showing, having advanced from a group with Namibia, Tunisia, and South Africa, and beating Burkina Faso in the last 16.
Broader Implications for AFCON 2025
This result keeps Senegal on track for glory in a tournament hosted by Ivory Coast that has seen giants like Egypt and Algeria crash out early. The semi-final berth is Senegal’s third in four editions, underscoring their status as a powerhouse under Cissé. For fans across Africa, including in South Africa where AFCON fever runs high, this match delivered edge-of-the-seat action, reminding everyone why the competition captures hearts every two years.
As the tournament heads into its final stages, calls grow for better player safety amid packed schedules, but the passion on display shows football’s power to unite. Senegal now looks ahead, hoping Ndiaye’s magic continues to light their path to another title.
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