Senegal and Morocco booked their places in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-finals with convincing quarter-final performances on Friday night.
In Tangier, Senegal edged out a resilient Mali side 1- 0 to become the first team to seal a last-four spot. The only goal of the game came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error, finishing from close range to give the Teranga Lions the lead.
The match turned decisively against Mali just before halftime when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten men for the entire second half. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Mali battled bravely, with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra producing several notable saves, but could not find an equaliser.
Senegal controlled possession in the second half and managed the game intelligently to secure the victory and a place in the semi-finals.
Later in Rabat, hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 to also advance. Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz continued his impressive run, scoring in the 26th minute before Ismael Saibari added a second goal in the 74th minute to seal the win.
Morocco dominated throughout, demonstrating both defensive solidity and attacking intent in front of a raucous home crowd.
Senegal now await the winner of Egypt vs. Côte d’Ivoire, while Morocco will face the victors of Algeria vs. Nigeria in the semis
