Senegal and Mali lock horns in a compelling West African derby when they meet in the quarter-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 at the Grande Stade de Tanger on Friday afternoon, with a semi-final place firmly on the line.
While Senegal arrive as one of the tournament’s most consistent sides, Mali’s route to the last eight has been defined by resilience and survival, setting up a clash between momentum and endurance in what promises to be a tense knockout encounter.
Match preview
This will be only the second meeting between the sides at the AFCON finals, with their sole previous encounter ending in a 1-1 group-stage draw in 2004. However, the broader head-to-head strongly favours Senegal, who are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings and have not lost to Mali since 1997.
Senegal have already made Tangier their base, playing all four matches of the tournament at the venue. That familiarity could prove significant, particularly against a Mali side that have split their fixtures across Casablanca and Rabat before arriving in Tangier.
Nico Jackson has scored 2 goals for the Teranga lions. Photo Credit: Imago
Pape thiaw’s men have looked increasingly assured as the tournament has progressed. They arrive unbeaten in their last 15 AFCON matches, a run stretching back to the 2019 final, and have scored in each of their four matches at the current finals.
The Teranga Lions showed a new layer of resilience in the Round of 16, coming from behind to defeat Sudan. It marked their first AFCON knockout win after conceding first since 2006 and underlined a growing maturity within the squad.
Mali, by contrast, have reached the quarter-finals without winning a match in open play. All four of their games have ended level after 90 minutes, including the dramatic Round of 16 clash with Tunisia, which they eventually won on penalties.
Tom Saintfiet’s side have made a habit of dragging opponents into deep waters. Three of their last four AFCON knockout matches have gone to extra time, and they boast a strong penalty shoot-out record, having won three of four at the finals.
Defensively, Mali have often been under sustained pressure. Against Tunisia, they managed just 27.8% possession and completed only 140 passes, yet goalkeeper Djigui Diarra proved decisive with five saves in normal time and two more in the shoot-out.
At the other end, Lassine Sinayoko remains Mali’s primary threat. He has scored three goals at the tournament and has been directly involved whenever Mali have found the net, with the Eagles unbeaten in all AFCON matches in which he has scored.
Mali’s forward #17 Lassine Sinayoko (C) celebrates scoring the team’s first goal from a penalty during the Africa Cup of Nations Group A football match between Morocco and Mali at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Senegal’s challenge will be to convert control into a decisive breakthrough. They have committed the most fouls at the tournament, reflecting an aggressive pressing approach, but their attacking depth and experience in knockout football give them a clear theoretical edge.
With Senegal unbeaten in open play in their last nine AFCON knockout matches and Mali increasingly reliant on penalties, the quarter-final may hinge on whether Mali can once again withstand pressure and force the game beyond 90 minutes.
Team news
Mali will be without Woyo Coulibaly, who is suspended after his red card in the Round of 16 against Tunisia. His absence reduces Saintfiet’s options at the back, particularly in wide defensive areas.
Lassana Coulibaly is also a major doubt after being withdrawn through injury against Tunisia, and he is not expected to feature in Tangier, further disrupting Mali’s midfield balance.
Yves Bissouma is expected to continue in central midfield after completing the most passes for Mali in their last outing, while Aliou Dieng’s physical presence will again be key in screening the defence.
Aliou Dieng and Mali gaffer Tom Sanifiet. Photo Credit: Imago
Sinayoko will lead the line once more, supported by a narrow band of attacking midfielders tasked primarily with counter-attacking responsibilities rather than sustained possession.
Senegal arrive with a fully fit squad, giving Aliou Cissé significant selection flexibility for the quarter-final.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns after serving a suspension and is expected to slot straight back into central defence alongside Moussa Niakhaté, with Abdoulaye Seck likely to drop out.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Iliman Ndiaye, who was left out against Sudan, is pushing for a recall and could start on the right of the front three, joining Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson in attack.
Mane has notched one goal and three assist in AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: AFP
Mané continues to be Senegal’s creative leader, holding the AFCON record for assists and already contributing three at the current tournament.
Form guide
Mali (all competitions): D-D-D-D-L
Senegal (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W
Mali Possible lineups
Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traore; Dieng, Bissouma; Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sangare; Sinayoko
Senegal Possible lineups
Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mané, Jackson, Ndiaye
Match prediction
Mali’s ability to absorb pressure and force matches deep makes them awkward opponents, but Senegal’s attacking consistency, experience and superior squad depth should eventually tell.
READ MORE:ndidi-offers-to-pay-bonuses-despite-fg-confirmation-that-afcon-funds-are-in-flight
If the Teranga Lions score first, their control of the game is likely to be decisive.
Prediction: Mali 0-1 Senegal
