A fiercely contested West African derby takes centre stage on Friday as Mali lock horns with Senegal in the first quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Grand Stade de Tanger. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both sides arrive in Morocco knowing that fine margins could decide a heavyweight encounter.
Match Preview
Mali’s journey to the last eight has been built on grit and resilience rather than flair. Les Aigles were forced to dig deep in the Round of 16 against Tunisia, playing over an hour with ten men after Woyo Coulibaly was sent off early. Despite falling behind, Mali showed remarkable character to force extra time with a stoppage-time equaliser before edging the contest 3–2 on penalties.
Tom Saintfiet’s men are yet to win a match inside 90 minutes at this AFCON (D3, W1 on penalties), but they will hope Friday’s clash presents the perfect opportunity to change that narrative. However, history suggests another tight affair, with Mali’s last three AFCON quarter-finals all ending level at full time.
Victory would see Mali reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2013, when their run was halted by Nigeria, and belief remains high that discipline and organisation can again carry them through.
Senegal, by contrast, have looked every inch contenders. The Lions of Teranga topped their group with authority before overcoming Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16, recovering from an early setback to assert their dominance.
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal are unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches within regulation time (W10, D5) and boast a formidable record against Mali, going 10 head-to-head games without defeat. Having fallen at this stage in 2023 after a penalty shoot-out loss to eventual champions Ivory Coast, the 2021 winners are determined to push on in search of a second continental crown.
Recent Form
Mali – AFCON form:
D – D – D – W (pens)
Mali – all competitions:
W – D – D – D – D – W
Senegal – AFCON form:
W – D – W – W
Senegal – all competitions:
L – W – W – D – W – W
Team News
Mali will be without Woyo Coulibaly, who is suspended following his red card against Tunisia. There are also injury concerns, with Lassana Coulibaly unlikely to recover in time after being forced off in the last match.
Senegal, meanwhile, arrive with a fully fit squad, giving Thiaw plenty of options. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns from suspension and is expected to slot straight back into central defence alongside Moussa Niakhaté.
In attack, Iliman Ndiaye could be recalled to the starting XI after missing the Sudan game, potentially completing a dangerous front three with Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson.
Possible Lineups
Mali:
Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traore; Dieng, Bissouma; Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sangare; Sinayoko
Senegal:
Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mané, Jackson, Ndiaye
Prediction
Mali 0–1 Senegal
Mali’s organisation and fighting spirit should keep this contest close, but Senegal’s superior depth, experience, and attacking quality could prove decisive. Expect a tense battle settled by a single moment, with the Teranga Lions narrowly edging their way into the semi-finals.
