A fierce West African derby takes centre stage at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday evening as Mali lock horns with Senegal for a coveted place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mali booked their quarter-final spot after edging past Tunisia on penalties in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter, while Senegal continued their impressive campaign with a composed 3–1 comeback win over Sudan.
Match Preview
Mali’s journey to the last eight has been built on resilience rather than fluency. Les Aigles were forced to dig deep against Tunisia after being reduced to ten men early on, following Woyo Coulibaly’s red card. Despite the setback, Tom Saintfiet’s men showed tremendous character, clawing their way back to level in stoppage time before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout.
However, Mali remain winless within 90 minutes at the tournament, having drawn all four of their matches so far. That statistic underlines both their defensive discipline and their struggle to impose themselves decisively. History suggests another tight affair, with Mali’s last three AFCON quarter-finals all ending level at full-time.
A victory on Friday would see Mali reach the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2013, when they eventually finished fourth, and would mark a significant milestone for Saintfiet’s evolving side.
Senegal, by contrast, have looked every inch title contenders. The Lions of Teranga topped their group with authority before brushing aside Sudan in the Round of 16, recovering from an early setback to assert control and progress comfortably.
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal are unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches within regulation time and boast an impressive recent record against Mali, remaining undefeated in their last 10 head-to-head meetings. With momentum, depth, and experience on their side, the 2021 champions will be confident of taking another step toward reclaiming the trophy.
Having fallen at this stage on penalties to eventual champions Ivory Coast at the last tournament, Senegal will be determined to avoid another quarter-final disappointment.
Team News
Mali
-
Woyo Coulibaly is suspended following his red card against Tunisia.
-
Lassana Coulibaly is a major doubt after being forced off injured in the Round of 16 and is unlikely to feature.
Senegal
-
Senegal have a fully fit squad, boosting their confidence ahead of the clash.
-
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns after serving a suspension and is expected to slot straight back into central defence.
-
Iliman Ndiaye, rested against Sudan, is pushing for a recall to the starting XI.
Possible Lineups
Mali:
Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traore; Dieng, Bissouma; Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sangare; Sinayoko
Senegal:
Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mane, Jackson, Ndiaye
Mali 0–1 Senegal
Mali’s organisation and fighting spirit should make this a closely contested encounter, but Senegal’s superior attacking options and big-game experience could prove decisive. Expect a tight, tactical battle, with the Teranga Lions edging through by the narrowest of margins to book their place in the semi-finals.
