Ndiaye sends Senegal into AFCON semi-finals at Mali’s expense

Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal as Senegal booked a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in the last four tournaments, edging 10-man Mali 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final on Friday.

Ndiaye struck in the 27th minute, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to give the reigning champions the lead in a tense West African derby, timeslive reported.

The goal proved enough to separate the sides in a match marked by intensity and discipline from the Senegalese.

Mali’s challenge was severely weakened just before the break when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Bissouma had earlier been booked in the 25th minute for a clumsy challenge and was dismissed following a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye in first-half stoppage time.

Forced to play the entire second half with 10 men, Mali were unable to find a way past a well-organised Senegal defence.

Unlike their previous round clash against Tunisia, where they survived with a numerical disadvantage and progressed on penalties, there was no late comeback on this occasion.

Senegal managed the game with composure after the interval, limiting Mali’s chances and protecting their narrow advantage to seal another semi-final appearance.

The result underlines Senegal’s consistency at the continental showpiece, as they continue their bid for further success at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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