- Here is Mali vs Senegal prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks the first fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm EAT / 5:00 pm local time.
A blockbuster encounter awaits on Friday evening as Mali and Senegal lock horns in the first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final fixture at the Grande Stade de Tanger.
The match is expected to be thrilling; despite contrasting form, this clash will be a must-watch as the two nations renew their West African Derby rivalry.
Senegal, the 2021 champions, have enjoyed an impressive run since the tournament kicked off in Morocco last December, asserting their dominance as the clear favorites.
The Lions of Teranga boast one of the most potent attack so far, having already netted ten goals, while their defense has been exceptional, conceding only twice against Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To book their place in the last eight, Senegal came from behind to defeat Sudan in the round of 16.
After conceding early to an Amir Abdallah strike, Pape Gueye inspired the comeback with two goals before Ibrahim Mbaye sealed a 3-1 victory.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025 quarter-finals fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times & venues
Senegal now seeks to extend their unbeaten streak in the competition; a win would make it 16 matches without defeat, building on a current record of ten wins and five draws since their last loss to Algeria in 2019.
Meanwhile, Mali has not had a straightforward path in this edition but has shown resilience to reach this stage without securing a single victory in open play.
They advanced as the best third-place side from the group stage, drawing all three matches, and needed a penalty shootout to overcome Tunisia in the round of 16 after playing with ten men for much of the match.
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An Eagles triumph over Senegal would guarantee them a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2013, when they fell 4-1 to Nigeria at that stage.
Here are the key details for the Mali vs Senegal AFCON quarterfinal, along with some betting insights for your stakes at SportPesa.
What time does Mali vs Senegal kick off?
These two West African nations will face off on Friday, January 9, at the Grande Stade de Tanger. Kickoff is set for 7 pm EAT / 5 pm local time.
Mali vs Senegal team news
For the Eagles, Yves Dousseby-Woyo Coulibaly will miss the match, serving a one-game ban for a red-card offense after catching Tunisia’s Hannibal Mejbri with his studs.
Lassana Coulibaly was withdrawn against Tunisia due to injury and is not expected to feature in Tangier.
However, Amadou Haidara is available for selection after serving his suspension from a red card against Comoros.
For the Lions of Teranga, Kalidou Koulibaly has served his one-match ban and will be available. The captain’s return is the only significant change, as the squad has no major injury concerns.
The Eagles vs Lions of Teranga possible lineups
- Mali: Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traoré; Dieng, Bissouma; Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sangaré; Sinayoko
- Senegal: Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mané, Jackson, Ndiaye
Mali vs Senegal head-to-head record and current form
This is only the second meeting between Mali and Senegal at the AFCON finals.
Their sole previous encounter was in the 2004 group stage.
Overall, the sides have met 40 times, with Senegal leading with 19 wins to Mali’s eight, and 13 matches drawn. Senegal has outscored Mali 61-38 across all meetings.
Bet SportPesa odds over 2.5 at odds 2.41
Current form:
- Mali: D D D D D
- Senegal: W W D W W
Mali vs Senegal prediction and betting tips
Mali is appearing in the quarterfinals for the eighth time, having progressed past this stage on five previous occasions.
Senegal is the second-highest-scoring side at AFCON 2025 with ten goals, behind only Nigeria (12).
They are undefeated in their last five games, winning four and drawing once. Aside from a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Senegal has scored three goals in each of their other three tournament matches.
Senegal enters as the favorite pick the win due to squad depth and current form, and a win would see them advance to the semi-finals.
However, Mali cannot be ruled out they are a surprise package on paper and are capable of another resilient display like the one against Tunisia.
Thus, fans should expect a fiercely competitive and thrilling West African derby.