Senegal validates its ticket for the CAN semi-finals by beating Mali 1-0.
The first quarter-final of the CAN pitted Mali against Senegal this Friday. From the first minutes, the match seemed committed. In the 3rd minute, Lassine Sinayoko was pushed into the area by Kalidou Koulibaly, but the referee, confirmed by VAR, allowed the action to continue. The two teams then neutralized each other for long minutes, the game being closed and the majority of Senegalese possession, Mali defending with discipline.
Senegal broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. On a cross from Diatta, the Malian goalkeeper let the ball pass, allowing Ndiaye to finish and open the scoring (1-0). The Lions of Téranga then pushed to make the break, while Mali had to finish the first half with ten men after the expulsion of Bissouma, author of a second yellow card in the 45+2nd minute.
Powerless Mali
In the second half, Mali tried to react quickly. Sinayoko struck on a counter but Mendy won in two stages (48′). Shortly after, Gana Gueye responded with a powerful shot deflected by the Malian goalkeeper. In the 57th minute, Sangaré served Diaby with a free kick, but Mendy made a spectacular save to preserve the Senegalese advantage.
Senegal then managed its advantage, despite a few Malian attempts. The pace intensified at the end of the match on both sides but the score did not change any further. The Lions of Teranga therefore won 1-0 and qualified for the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter between Egypt and Ivory Coast.
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