AFCON 2025: Senegal Weather The Storm To End Mali’s Title Ambition

In a tightly contested Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matchup, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over a 10-man Mali side, becoming the first nation to clinch a spot in the semi-finals.

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This result extends Senegal’s impressive unbeaten streak in regulation time to 16 tournament matches, consisting of 11 wins and 5 draws.

Senegal signaled their aggression immediately, with West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf delivering a threatening cross within the first few seconds of play.

Senegal’s captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, had a shaky start. He narrowly avoided giving away a penalty following a challenge on Lassine Sinayoko and later committed a dangerous passing error.

Mali failed to take advantage of Koulibaly’s uncharacteristic lapses; their best chance to capitalize on his mistake was thwarted by a decisive tackle from Krépin Diatta.

Senegal took the lead in the 27th minute after Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a goalkeeping blunder by Djigui Diarra, who dropped a cross from Diatta. Senegal continued to press, with Pape Gueye and Diouf both coming close, before Mali’s situation worsened when captain Yves Bissouma received a red card just before the break.

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Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali emerged stronger in the second half, forcing saves from Édouard Mendy through Sinayoko and Abdoulaye Diaby. To steady the ship, Senegal’s Pape Thiaw introduced Lamine Camara and Pathé Ciss.

The substitutes nearly extended the lead late on, with Diarra making a crucial fingertip save against Camara’s volley to keep the scoreline close in what was a busy night for the Mali keeper.

Although Senegal secured a victory, their performance lacked sparkle, marking the first time in four years they’ve won an AFCON finals match by only a one-goal margin.

Nevertheless, since a similar 1-0 win over Zimbabwe served as a stepping stone to their previous title, coach Thiaw and his squad will likely remain optimistic. They now look ahead to their next fixture in Tangier in five days, where they will face either Egypt or Ivory Coast.

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