Nigeria, Jan. 10 -- The Teranga Lions of Senegal have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Lions advanced on Friday after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali, becoming the first team to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Iliman Ndiaye's first-half strike proved decisive at the Tangier Grand Stadium as the Lions of Teranga extended their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes at the AFCON finals to 16 matches, with 11 wins and five draws.

Senegal showed attacking intent almost immediately, with West Ham United full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf sending in a dangerous cross inside the opening minute.

However, Mali responded with confidence and could have been awarded a penalty when captain...