Senegal secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. In a hard-fought match, as expected, the Lions managed to escape the Malian trap. Facing a very aggressive Malian team, reduced to ten men before halftime, Pape Thiaw's men displayed great intelligence to secure the win.

In this duel between neighbors, the Senegalese defense proved decisive, notably Édouard Mendy and Moussa Niakhaté, who were solid throughout the match.

However, when deployed as a playmaker, Habib Diarra was disappointing.

Édouard Mendy: 7/10

Having seen little action in the first half, the Senegalese goalkeeper was alert after the break. In the 48th minute, he made a brilliant save against Coulibaly. Ten minutes later, he produced a crucial stop to prevent Abdoulaye Diaby from equalizing (58th minute).

Even if his clearances with his feet still need improvement, the Lions' last line of defense delivered a reassuring performance.

Krépin Diatta: 6/10

Continuing his form from previous outings, Krépin Diatta proved invaluable. Available and attacking, he delivered a perfect assist to Iliman Ndiaye for the only goal of the match (27th minute).

Deeply involved in the game, the AS Monaco player also shone defensively with a lightning-fast recovery to stop Sinayoko (24th minute). A complete performance from the Senegalese right-back.

Kalidou Koulibaly: 5/10

Back from suspension, the Lions' captain had a difficult first half. More focused after the break, he showed solidity thanks to his positioning and experience. Despite a yellow card late in the game (90+3), the 34-year-old defender delivered a decent performance.

Moussa Niakhaté: 7/10

Another solid performance from the Lyon defender. Composed, calm, and effective in his interventions, he was never truly troubled. Offensively, he attempted some promising runs forward to create overloads. Late in the game, he cleared a Malian threat. A very convincing performance.

El Hadj Malick Diouf: 6/10

On the left flank, he created the first dangerous opportunity of the match. Excellent in his link-up play with Sadio Mané, he contributed significantly to the attack. At the end of the first half, he came close to doubling the lead from a Mané assist. Defensively, he remained focused and determined.

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6/10

He was very involved from the start, playing with intelligence and experience. His forward passes were invaluable. He was the one who drew the red card for Mali's captain, Yves Bissouma, just before halftime. In the second half, he controlled the tempo well, despite a misplaced pass that could have given Sadio Mané a scoring opportunity.

Pape Guèye: 5/10

He lit the first spark of the match in the 9th minute. Combative in midfield, he attempted several long balls without success. In the 33rd minute, he narrowly missed scoring a second goal. Held back by a yellow card (29th minute), he was replaced by Pathé Ciss (62nd minute), who made a good entrance despite a missed opportunity in the 76th minute.

Habib Diarra: 5/10

Deployed as a playmaker, he had a poor first half with numerous misplaced passes. He failed to turn things around after the break. Replaced by Lamine Camara (62'), whose volley hit the post (90+2').

Sadio Mané: 6/10

Very active on his flank, he was the architect of Senegal's goal, setting up Krépin Diatta (27th minute). He also provided El Hadj Malick Diouf with a scoring opportunity at the end of the first half. In the second half, he remained dangerous and forced Djigui Diarra into two fine saves. A good match from the Senegalese number 10.

Iliman Ndiaye: 6/10

Quiet at the start of the match, he opened the scoring with a true poacher's finish after a rebound from the Malian goalkeeper. Very lively in the second half, he constantly caused problems for the opposing defense. He was replaced by Ibrahim Mbaye (75th minute) who failed to capitalize on the few touches he received.

Habib Diallo: 4/10

Starting in place of Nicolas Jackson, he offered little going forward. Generous in his effort, he contributed to the pressing and defensive phases. Replaced by Chérif Ndiaye (75th minute), who was then left unmarked by Pathé Ciss during a clear-cut chance for Senegal (76th minute).