Mali players celebrates victory during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Mali and Tunisia at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 03 January 2026 ©Ladjal Djaffar/BackpagePix
Thursday Jan 08, 2026. 11:00
As a keenly anticipated fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week, Senegal and Mali will do battle in the Quarter-finals of the showpiece at Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday evening. Kick-off is at 6:00pm CAT.
The Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament following a 3-2 penalties victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday.
While the game ended at 1-1 in regulation time, penalties were needed to separate the two nations following 120 minutes of football in Casablanca. However, crucial misses by Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Mali the opportunity to book their spot in the final eight.
The Lions of Teranga had it much easier in their respective Round of 16 obligation when they bagged a 3-1 win over Sudan at Stade de Tanger this past Saturday. Sudan took an early lead by Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute of the match, which injected a sense of urgency by Senegal as Pape Gueye (2) and Ibrahim Mbaye scored the winning goals for their nation.
Speaking after Senegal’s Round of 16 victory, experienced star Sadio Mane believes that approaching each game as it comes will be crucial in their bid to win the showpiece for the second time.
“In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” Mane uttered.
“The proof is that we played well more than once and saw the results in the end. Playing well is important, but it is not the most important thing at the moment.
“What matters now is focus and dealing with the tournament match by match, because the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and what matters is winning, not how.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 7
Mali wins: 0
Senegal wins: 5
Draws: 2