Senegal, Mali set up AFCON quarterfinal clash [Football Now]

Sports Update: Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals

Senegal progressed to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-1 victory over Sudan in Tangier on Sat, Jan 6, 2024. Sadio Mané played a pivotal role, contributing to goals and creating opportunities for his teammates. The team, missing their suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, benefited from Mané's leadership.

Mané was instrumental in setting up Pape Gueye's two goals and substitute Ibrahim Mbaye's goal, securing Senegal's place in the quarterfinals against Mali. Mali managed to win their match against Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout, despite playing with ten men on a challenging night in Casablanca.

El Bilal Touré secured Mali's spot in the quarterfinals with a decisive penalty during the 3-2 shootout against Tunisia, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Mali's goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was crucial, saving two penalties to compensate for misses by Yves Bissouma and Dorgeles Nene.

Tunisia, which had an advantage after Woyo Coulibaly's red card in the 26th minute, failed to capitalize on their numerical superiority. Despite Ali Abdi's miss and Diarra's saves against Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ben Romdhane, Tunisia could not overcome Mali.

The match saw multiple fouls, with referee Abongile Tom issuing numerous yellow cards before Coulibaly's expulsion. Despite being reduced to ten players, Mali managed to equalize in stoppage time through Lassine Sinayoko, forcing extra time and eventually winning the shootout. Sinayoko's penalty drew Mali level after Bissouma's initial miss.

Based on reporting by Africanews.