Senegal vs Mali: AFCON 2025 Preview as Mané Leads Lions into Tricky Tie
Senegal’s quest for another Africa Cup of Nations crown continues on Friday afternoon as they face a stern West African test against Mali, with a place in the semi-finals on the line in Tangier.
The Senegal national football team arrive at the quarter-final stage unbeaten and full of confidence after another controlled display in the last 16. Pape Thiaw’s side were briefly rattled by an early Sudan goal in Tangier, but they responded with authority as Pape Gueye struck twice before half-time and Ibrahim Mbaye wrapped up a convincing 3–1 victory. That result underlined Senegal’s defensive solidity and attacking depth, with the Lions of Teranga conceding just two goals in the tournament so far.
Senegal’s only blemish came earlier in the competition when they were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo in the group stage, a match rescued by talisman Sadio Mane after Cedric Bakambu had given the Congolese the lead. Since then, the reigning champions have looked increasingly assured as the knockout rounds have progressed.
Mali, meanwhile, have taken a more turbulent route into the last eight but remain dangerous opponents. The Mali national football team drew all three of their group matches to finish runners-up behind hosts Morocco before edging past Tunisia on penalties in the round of 16. That victory came despite playing with ten men, continuing a worrying trend that has seen Mali reduced in numbers in each of their last two matches.
Head coach Tom Saintfiet welcomed the return of Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma during the group stage, and his influence has been evident in midfield, but discipline remains a concern heading into this decisive clash.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Mali vs Senegal kicks off at 4pm GMT on Friday, January 9, 2026. The match will be played at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier.
How to watch Mali vs Senegal online
In the UK, the match will be shown live on E4, with coverage beginning at 3:30pm GMT. Supporters can also stream the game online via the Channel 4 website, the Channel 4 app, or the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
International viewers can follow the match through major broadcasters worldwide, including Fubo in the USA and Canada, beIN Sports across Australia, Malaysia and the Middle East, FanCode in India, and SuperSport in South and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Team news
Mali will be forced into changes at the back and in midfield. Woyo Coulibaly is suspended following his red card against Tunisia, while Lassana Coulibaly is sidelined with injury. Gaoussou Diarra also remains unavailable as he continues to recover from an ankle sprain.
Senegal, by contrast, head into the quarter-final with no new injury concerns. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly returns from suspension, boosting an already well-organised defence, and Thiaw is expected to name a largely unchanged side.
Head-to-head
This will be only the second meeting between Mali and Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, with their previous tournament clash ending in a 1–1 draw back in 2004. Overall, Senegal hold the historical edge, boasting 19 wins to Mali’s eight, while 13 encounters have finished level.
Mali vs Senegal Predicted line-ups
Mali are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Djigui Diarra in goal behind a back four of Hamari Traoré, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana and Amadou Dante. Yves Bissouma and Aliou Dieng should anchor midfield, allowing Mamadou Sangaré, Lassine Sinayoko and Mamadou Doumbia to support striker El Bilal Touré.
Senegal are likely to stick with their trusted 4-3-3 system. Edouard Mendy should start in goal, protected by Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhaté and Ismail Jakobs. Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye are set to partner in midfield, with Sadio Mané, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr providing support for central forward Nicolas Jackson.
Prediction
Mali’s resilience and physicality should ensure a competitive contest, but Senegal’s experience, squad depth and cutting edge in attack give them the edge. Expect the champions to find a way through, with a narrow 2–1 victory enough to book their place in the semi-finals.