Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals with a hard‑fought 1‑0 victory over Mali, while all eyes now turn to the 10 pm quarter‑final showdown between Cameroon and host nation Morocco.
The decisive moment of the Senegal–Mali tie came in the 28 minute when Iliman Ndiaye fired home after a defensive lapse, giving the Teranga Lions a crucial advantage. Having taken the lead, Senegal controlled much of the first half, with possession and tactical discipline underlining their approach.
Mali’s task became significantly harder just before half‑time when midfielder Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. Reduced to ten men, the Eagles struggled to regain rhythm and failed to breach the Senegalese defence in the second period.
The result means Senegal advance in the knockout stages of AFCON 2025, maintaining their hopes of lifting the continental crown after navigating a challenging fixture against their West African neighbours.
As the celebrations subside in Tangier, attention now shifts to the evening’s 10 pm quarter‑final, where Cameroon take on hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat. Both teams have impressed so far in the tournament: Cameroon progressed with a gritty 2‑1 win over South Africa in the Round of 16, while Morocco topped their group and edged Tanzania 1‑0 to reach this stage.
Morocco enter the clash as slight favourites on home soil, boasting possession prowess and defensive solidity throughout the competition. Cameroon, however, bring knockout experience and clinical finishing to the fight, making the matchup one of the night’s most evenly poised contests.
Supporters across Africa and beyond are tuning in as AFCON delivers another dramatic night of football, with both fixtures shaping narratives ahead of the semi‑finals.
