Iliman Ndiaye produced a memorable performance as Senegal secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in a fiercely contested West African derby.
The Everton forward was the standout performer on the night, earning the Man of the Match award after scoring the decisive goal and leading Senegal’s attack with energy, intelligence, and composure throughout the encounter.
The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute and was a fitting reward for Senegal’s growing control. Ndiaye initiated the move with a driving run from midfield before continuing into the penalty area, where he reacted quickest to a loose ball and calmly slotted into an empty net to put the Teranga Lions ahead. It was his first goal of the tournament, and one that could prove pivotal in Senegal’s pursuit of continental glory.
Senegal continued to push forward with confidence, demonstrating their attacking depth as they created chance after chance. The West Africans registered 19 shots over the course of the match, but a combination of wasteful finishing and superb goalkeeping from Mali’s Djigui Diarra kept the scoreline tight. Substitute Pathé Ciss missed a clear opportunity when through on goal, while Lamine Camara came agonisingly close with a powerful volley that Diarra tipped onto the post.
Mali’s hopes were dealt a further blow just before half-time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second bookable offence following a reckless challenge. Reduced to ten men, Mali battled bravely in the second half, but Senegal’s disciplined and well-organised defence remained in control, preserving another clean sheet in the knockout stages.
The victory underlines Senegal’s status as one of the tournament favourites and sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against either Egypt or defending champions Ivory Coast, as Ndiaye and his teammates continue their march toward AFCON glory.
