The showdown between Senegal and Mali will take place on Friday 9th January at the Grande Stade de Tangier.
This highly anticipated fixture is a quarter-final showdown in the Senegal vs Mali AFCON 2025 schedule.
This will be the 41st meeting between the two West African nations as they battle for a place in the semi-finals. From their previous encounters, Senegal enter this match as favourites against the Eagles. This is all due to having remained unbeaten against Mali in over two decades. Whilst this may be the case for Senegal’s Teranga lions, Mali will bring the heat all the way up to win today’s game.
For fans tuning in from the UK, Channel 4 will broadcast the match live as part of their AFCON 2025 coverage. Kick off is scheduled for 16:00pm, GMT.
Across Africa, live streaming will be available on beIN Sports and SuperSport.
Viewers in the United States can watch the match live on the beIN Sports channel.
Sadio Mané
Senegal’s talisman continues to be a driving force in AFCON 2025. Mané’s experience, continuous assists, and ability to produce moments of brilliance make him a constant threat. His movement off the ball and sharp finishing could be decisive against a disciplined Mali defence. Fans will be looking to Mané to inspire Senegal as they push for another AFCON semi-final appearance.
Pape Gueye
Pape Gueye’s performance in Senegal’s last outing highlighted exactly why he is such a valuable presence heading into today’s match. Calm and composed in midfield, he controlled the tempo, broke up opposition play effectively, and used the ball intelligently to keep Senegal ticking. His positional awareness and physicality allowed Senegal to dominate key areas, while his simple but purposeful passing helped launch attacks.
Yves Bissouma
Mali’s midfield engine will be key to their hopes of causing an upset. Bissouma brings physicality, composure and tactical awareness to the centre of the pitch. His ability to disrupt Senegal’s rhythm and transition play quickly could determine how competitive Mali remain throughout the match.
While statistics and past records point towards a Senegal victory, knockout football often delivers surprises. In the context of Senegal vs Mali AFCON 2025, both teams will be fully aware that one moment of quality, or one mistake could decide the outcome.
Mali, however, are likely to adopt a disciplined and compact approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities. That being said, they are also likely to bring on a full attack on Senegal’s squad. Their resilience has already been evident in AFCON 2025, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Despite Senegal entering as favourites, Mali will be determined to defy expectations and reach the semi-finals.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has a largely fit squad to choose from and is expected to stick with a balanced lineup that has delivered consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Senegal’s predicted lineup
Edouard Mendy, Krepin Diatta, Abdoulaye Seck, Moussa Niakhaté, Ismail Jakobs, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mané, and Nicolas Jackson
Mali team news
Mali coachTom Saintfiet will rely on his side’s physical strength and tactical discipline. His team has shown strong character in AFCON 2025 and will look to frustrate Senegal while remaining dangerous on the break.
Mali’s predicted lineup
Djigui Diarra, Hamari Traoré, Sikou Niakaté, Boubakar Kouyaté, Fousseni Diabaté, Yves Bissouma, Lassana Coulibaly, Kamory Doumbia, Adama Traoré, Nene Dorgeles, and El Bilal Touré
