Mali, still searching for their first win in 90 minutes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they take on star-studded Senegal in the quarter-final clash.
SportPremi provides the detailed match preview and prediction for the January 9 clash.
Match Preview
Mali head into the clash on the back of a remarkable penalty shootout win over Tunisia in their Round of 16 affair. They were reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute after Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a reckless challenge. Matters became worse when Tunisia took the lead in the 88th minute through Firas Chaouat.
However, Mali dug deep and equalized deep into added time through a penalty kick from Lassine Sinayoko, before eventually triumphing on shootout at the end of 120 minutes of action.
The Eagles have not won a single game in normal time so far in Morocco and qualified for the knockout rounds with three draws during the group stages.
Meanwhile, Senegal have lived up to their hype as tournament favourites winning three of their four matches so far at the tournament. The 2021 champions won two of their three group stage matches and then recorded another convincing win over Sudan in their Round of 16 affair.
Despite falling behind early in the tie, the Lions of Teranga responded and sealed a comfortable win to progress to the last eight of the tournament, overcoming the disappointment of exiting at the Round of 16 in Ivory Coast two years ago.
Head to Head Record
09.10.2019 – Senegal 2-0 Mali (WAFU Nations Cup)
26.03.2019 – Senegal 2-1 Mali (International Friendly Match)
05.03.2014 – Senegal 1-1 Mali (International Friendly Match)
18.11.2007 – Mali 2-3 Senegal (International Friendly Match)
08.10.2005 – Senegal 3-0 Mali (World Cup Qualifier)
Form
Mali
Mali have been unconvincing so far in Morocco, but they have enjoyed an extended stay to reach the quarterfinals of the competition. Despite not winning any match in normal time, they have not lost any match as well.
The Eagles have scored three times and have also kept a single clean sheet in their four matches so far at the tournament.
Senegal
Senegal have been impressive at the 2025 African Cup of Nations and have won three of their four matches convincingly, recording only one draw against DR Congo in their second match.
The Lions of Teranga have scored three times in three of their matches and have only conceded twice so far at the tournament.
Team News
Mali
Mali will be without defender Woyo Coulibaly for the clash, after his sending off in the Round of 16 win against Tunisia.
Predicted Lineups: Diarra (GK), Traore, Diaby, Camara, Dante, Lassana Coulibaly, Dieng, Sangare, Bissouma, Doumbia, Sinayoko.
Senegal
Senegal have a largely fit squad to choose from ahead of their clash against Mali.
Predicted Lineups: Mendy (GK), Diatta, Seck, Niakhaté, Jakobs, Diarra, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Sarr, Jackson, Mane.
SportPremi Prediction
Mali 1-2 Senegal
Senegal come into the tie in stronger form and boast a more star-studded squad, giving them the edge to progress to the tournament’s last four.
Venue and Time
The match will hold at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on the 9th of January, with kickoff at 5 PM.
