Iliman Ndiaye goal sees Senegal book semi-final spot | OneFootball

Senegal are the first team into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal against 10-man Mali.

The Lions of Teranga survived an early penalty shout that probably should have resulted in Mali having a chance to take the lead from the spot.

That good luck meant it was Senegal instead who opened the scoring. Ndiaye started the move off which ended with a low cross from the right that goalkeeper Djigui Diarra – who was Mali's hero in the quarter-final shoot-out – spilled. The ball fell kindly for Ndiaye with the Everton man having continued his run and then able to pass the ball into an empty net.

Mali's tournament has been notable for resolute defending – often with 10 men. That happened once again in Tangier. Yves Bissouma received his first yellow card in the 23rd minute and then his second just before half time – both were bookable offences from the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder who left his side with a mountain to climb.

Senegal certainly should have put the game to bed at some point in the second half as Mali looked tired. Indeed, Diarra needed to make a fine save despite being in the wrong position to push Mahamadou Doumbia's shot onto the post late on.

Pape Thiaw eventually ended up deserved winners though and they will await the winner of Egypt and Ivory Coast for the semi-final on January 14th.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

25':

Missed opportunity! Mamadou Sangaré from Mali takes a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it goes just wide to the right after a corner kick.

Senegal takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Mali. Iliman Ndiaye scores with a right-footed shot from just a short distance, finding the center of the net.

27':

GOAL Senegal: Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) scores!

Iliman Ndiaye scores goal number 1 in the competition (4 matches)

32':

Missed opportunity. Pape Gueye from Senegal takes a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes just wide to the right.

38':

Missed opportunity! Iliman Ndiaye from Senegal took a left-footed shot from the middle of the box, but it sailed over the goal. The chance was set up by Habib Diallo, who provided a headed pass after a corner kick.

40':

Missed opportunity. Pape Gueye from Senegal directed a header from the center of the box, but it went wide to the left after a set piece.

45 +3':

Red Card for Yves Bissouma (Mali)

Yves Bissouma has now picked up 0 red in the competition (4 matches)

52':

Missed opportunity! Habib Diallo from Senegal heads the ball from the center of the box, but it goes just over the bar. The chance was created by Krépin Diatta, who delivered a cross after a set piece.

52':

Missed opportunity. Habib Diallo from Senegal heads the ball from the center of the box, but it goes just over the bar. The chance was set up by Krépin Diatta, who delivered a cross after a set piece.

74':

Missed opportunity! Lamine Camara from Senegal took a right-footed shot from over 35 yards out.

90 +4':

Missed opportunity! Gaoussou Diakite from Mali took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went over the goal and to the right. The assist came from Kamory Doumbia.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match