Senegal had eased past Sudan despite an early scare in their last-16 tie, while Mali had needed a late equaliser and then penalties to get past Tunisia – having gone down to 10 men in the 26th minute of that contest.
The first big talking point came in the third minute when the Eagles were denied a potential penalty after Lassine Sinayoko was caught by returning Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly just inside the box.
Yet the video assistant referee did not get involved, with South African Tom not sent to his pitch-side monitor to review the incident.
Teranga Lions midfielder Pape Gueye had already sent two efforts wide before Bissouma picked up his first booking midway through the half for catching Mane with a flailing arm.
Diarra saved two penalties in the shootout against Tunisia but was at fault for Senegal’s opener as Diatta’s cutback squirmed under his body and Ndiaye was presented with an empty net.
Mali rarely threatened and their task got harder when Bissouma, who has not played a single minute for club side Tottenham this season, picked up his second caution for a late challenge on Idrissa Gana Gueye on halfway.
Tom Saintfiet’s Eagles rarely looked like grabbing a leveller, but Mendy got down smartly to cut out a threatening low cross from Sinayoko early in the second half and the former Chelsea man also made a low save from Diaby’s effort from a free-kick.
Instead it was up to Diarra to make a string of saves to keep his side in contention, yet Mali could not muster a sustained period of pressure or carve out another chance during seven minutes of added time.
Mali exit at the quarter-final stage for the second tournament in succession, with their talented squad rarely displaying their full potential in Morocco, while Pape Thiaw’s Senegal will remain in Tangier for a heavyweight showdown against Egypt or the Ivorians.
