Senegal progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Friday night after Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal sealed a 1–0 win over 10-man Mali in Tangiers.
The recalled forward struck in the 27th minute, reacting quickest after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra failed to deal with a low cross, as Senegal asserted early control in the opening quarter-final of the tournament.
Mali’s challenge unravelled further in first-half added time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence, moments before the interval.
The Brighton midfielder had earlier been cautioned for a foul on Sadio Mané and was dismissed after bringing down Idrissa Gueye in midfield, with VAR declining to intervene.
The decisive goal came at the end of a slick Senegal move when Krepin Diatta’s cross slipped under Diarra’s body, allowing Ndiaye to pounce and prod the loose ball into the net on a cold, overcast evening on the Mediterranean coast.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali showed familiar resilience, having also played much of their previous match against Tunisia with 10 men.
They pressed after the break and went close on 55 minutes when Abdoulaye Diaby forced a sharp save from Edouard Mendy.
Diarra, culpable for the goal, produced a string of saves to keep Mali in contention. He denied Pape Gueye from range, blocked efforts from Pathé Ciss and pushed away a fierce Lamine Camara volley during seven minutes of stoppage time.
Mali had earlier appealed for a penalty inside three minutes when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a challenge from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, but the referee waved play on and VAR upheld the decision, with replays indicating simulation.
Senegal managed the second half with composure, introducing 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye late on, while goalscorer Ndiaye was withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining.
The victory sends Senegal into the semi-finals, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt, who meet on Saturday.
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