Rabat, January 9 (QNA) - The Senegalese national team became the first to qualify for the semi-finals of the 35th edition of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, currently being held in Morocco, after defeating Mali 1-0 in their match Friday evening at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

Senegal owe their qualifying to midfielder Eliamin Ndiaye, who plays for English club Everton, and who scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute.

The Malian team finished the match with ten men after Yves Bissouma was sent off in the third minute of first-half stoppage time (45+3) after receiving his second yellow card.

With this victory, Senegal continued their steady march towards a second title in their history, following their first win in the 2021 edition, which they achieved against Egypt on penalties. It also maintained their unbeaten record in its last 16 matches in the tournament, specifically since their loss to Algeria (0-1) in the 2019 final.

The Senegalese team will now face the winner of the match between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the semi-finals next Wednesday. (QNA)