Iliman Ndiaye expressed his delight after scoring the winner that sent Senegal into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals, stressing that the team’s progress means more to him than any individual prize.
The forward struck in the 27th minute against Mali in Tangier, pouncing on a rebound after a Djigui Diarra error to calmly slot home from close range in a tense quarter-final.
“I am happy to have won this award but the most important thing is that we have progressed to the semi-finals of the competition. We played very well today and it shows that we are improving match after match. I am confident that my colleagues and I will focus on the next match to play at our best level and deliver for our fans.”
Senegal controlled much of the second half after Mali captain Yves Bissouma was sent off in first-half stoppage time, managing the game with maturity to protect Ndiaye’s goal and secure a last-four ticket.
With a semi-final against Egypt or Cote d’Ivoire to come, Ndiaye insisted the squad remain focused on fine-tuning details and being more clinical as they chase another continental title.
