AFCON 2025 - Preview: Mali vs Senegal
The first quarter-final of the AFCON 2025 will be played this Friday, January 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. GMT between Mali and Senegal, at the grand stadium in Tangier. A West African derby that is pregnant with spark and honor for territorial hegemony.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Neighbors and brother countries, Mali and Senegal will be, the space of a football match, opponents this Friday. The stake being a qualification for the semi-finals of the competition.
Senegal, eliminated in the knockout stage of the 2023 edition, has since embarked on a reconquest operation after winning the title in 2022 in Cameroon. To get there, the Lions are counting on an XXL squad to defeat Mali, notably with the return of Kalidou Koulibaly behind, who purged his suspension match after his red received against Benin.
A resounding Sadio Mané
However, the ultimate weapon of Pape Thiaw will be Sadio Mané. The number 10 of Senegal has already scored 1 goal and delivered 3 assists in this tournament, while many expected him to pass the hand in this competition. He is now the best passer in the history of the AFCON with 9 offerings. Ibrahim Mbaye, determining at each of his entries, could also have his say. Note that the Senegalese have already scored 10 goals in 4 matches, it’s simply the most prolific edition in their history, while they have not yet played the quarters.
Regarding direct confrontations, Senegal has been unbeaten against Mali since 1997.
Mali the outsider
However, it will be necessary to be wary for Senegal. Mali arrives in full confidence after eliminating Tunisia, in the penalty shoot-out, but with the way. The Eagles played 10 for 100 minutes after the expulsion of Wonlo Coulibaly in the 26th minute. But Yves Bissouma’s teammates managed to come back after the opening of the Tunisian goal in the 88th minute.
To defeat the Lions, the Malians will be able to bet on their side in midfield, namely Yves Bissouma and Sangaré. Above all, they will bet on Lassine Sinayoko, author of 3 goals in the tournament and eyeing the top scorer chart.
Let us also note that Mali are still waiting for their first victory in this competition after having drawn 3 times in the group phase and winning against Tunisia on penalties. The Malian coach Tom Saintfiet, for his part, mentioned 'a war' to describe this meeting.