With Senegal hoping to bag their second Africa Cup of Nations crown, the Lions of Teranga will now turn their attention to Mali in the Quarterfinals at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier on Friday evening.
Kick-off is at 6pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
The Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals 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.
WHAT WAS SAID
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.”
---- NIGERIA ONLY ----
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mali: Yves Bissouma – Central to everything Mali does in the middle of the park, Bissouma will once again be under the spotlight against Senegal on Friday evening. The powerful midfielder will be tasked with providing balance in both attacking and defensive transitions.
Senegal: Pape Gueye – After netting a brace against Sudan in the Round of 16, Gueye will face Mali beaming with confidence. The marauding midfielder showcased his knack of getting in the final third at the right moments, while he is equally sound in defensive quarters.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games: 7
Mali wins: 0
Senegal wins: 5
Draws: 2
📍 Quart de finale
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) January 8, 2026
🇸🇳 Sénégal 🆚 Mali 🇲🇱
⏳ Le combat commence a 16hr Vendredi.#LionsDeLaTéranga #FootballSénégal #CAN2025 #QuartDeFinale #SENMLI #fiersdêtresénégalais @picdash_design pic.twitter.com/s5p2hRHUNh