Mali vs Senegal: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, line-ups, prediction

5 days ago 2

Mali take on Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday evening.

The Eagles defeated Tunisia 3-2 on penalties in the round of 16, while the Teranga Lions edged Sudan 3-1.

Match preview

Mali have not been spectacular but have shown grit to get to this stage.

Tom Saintfiet’s side did not win any game in the group stage and came from behind to play out a 1-1 draw with Tunisia despite being reduced to 10 men, before prevailing on penalties.

Mali have adopted a defensive and aggressive approach, ranking first for tackles and interceptions per game, as well as receiving the most yellow and red cards.

While Mali have relied on grit and defensive solidity, Senegal have been far more enterprising. They rank first for shots on target per game, and second for goals scored, and big chances created.

The Teranga Lions once again showed their brilliant attacking display against Tanzania, coming from behind to claim a dominant victory.

Pape Thiaw’s side are favourites for this clash but will still need to be at their best.

Head-to-head

The only encounter between Mali and Senegal at this tournament came in the 2004 edition and it ended 1-1.

Overall, they have met 40 times, with Senegal winning 19 as compared to Mali’s eight, while 13 matches have ended in draws.

Team news

Mali will be without Woyo Coulibaly, who is suspended, and Lassana Coulibaly due to injury.

By contrast, Senegal head into this clash with a clean bill of health, while Kalidou Koulibaly returns from suspension.

Predicted line-ups

Mali (4-2-3-1): Djigui Diarra, Hamari Traore, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Amadou Dante, Yves Bissouma, Aliou Dieng, Mamadou Sangare, Lassine Sinayoko, Mamadou Doumbia, El Bilal Toure.

Senegal (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy, Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs, Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson.