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Ndiaye's Goal Sends Senegal to AFCON Semifinals
9 Jan
Summary
- Senegal defeated Mali 1-0 in a tense quarterfinal match.
- Iliman Ndiaye scored the winning goal after a goalkeeping error.
- Mali finished the match with 10 men after a red card for Bissouma.
Senegal secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals by defeating 10-man Mali 1-0 in a closely contested quarterfinal match. The lone goal of the game was scored by Iliman Ndiaye in the 29th minute, following an uncharacteristic error from Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who failed to handle a cross cleanly. This allowed Ndiaye to tap the ball in from close range.
Mali's hopes were significantly diminished when Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half stoppage time for a second yellow card offense. This reduced the Eagles to 10 players for the remainder of the match as they sought an equalizer. Despite the numerical disadvantage and earlier controversy over a potential penalty call, Mali's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Diarra, worked hard to keep them in the game.
Senegal, the 2019 champions, controlled much of the play and created several chances, with goalkeeper Diarra making numerous saves to deny them further goals. Although Mali showed moments of threat, they were unable to break down Senegal's defense. The victory keeps Senegal on course for their second AFCON title, while Mali exits the tournament without a win.
