Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Friday, 09 January 2026, 20:41 / Updated Friday, 09 January 2026 20:44
Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly's Senegal became the first African Cup of Nations semi-finalist after beating Mali 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The only goal of the game was scored by Everton striker Iliman Ndiaye in the 28th minute after a sloppy tackle from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The latter later atoned for his mistake, saving numerous opportunities by which the Senegalese could have made the victory more convincing.
Senegal is the first semi-finalist since the Africa Cup of Nations
In the semi-finals, they will meet the winner of the quarter-final between Egypt and the current champion, Ivory Coast.
Mali, on the other hand, remains winless in regular time in this edition of the competition.
Senegal started the game more actively and opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Krepin Diatta broke through on the right and crossed into the small box. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra initially looked to catch the ball but then dropped it. Iliman Ndiaye took advantage of this error, scoring in an empty net.
Shortly after, the Senegalese could have doubled their lead, but Pape Gueye's long-range shot went wide.
Towards the end of the first half, the Malians' situation got even more complicated after captain Yves Bissouma received his second yellow card for protesting and was sent off.
Senegal is the first semi-finalist since the Africa Cup of Nations
At the start of the second half, the Senegalese had two good chances, but the Malian goalkeeper first denied a dangerous shot by Idrissa Gueye, and then a header by Habib Diallo was inaccurate. Mali could have equalized in the 57th minute, but Edouard Mendy saved Abdoulaye Diaby's shot from the small box.
Algeria – Nigeria and Cameroon – Morocco are the other quarters from which the other semi-finalist will be chosen.
