AFCON 2025: Mali vs Senegal preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Mali, known as Les Aigles, advanced to this stage after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia.

Meanwhile, the Lions of Teranga secured their place by defeating Sudan in the previous round.

Mali demonstrated incredible resilience to book their ticket to the quarter-finals. In their last-16 match, the Eagles were reduced to 10 men just 26 minutes in when Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a foul on Hannibal Mejbri.

Despite the setback, they battled back from a one-goal deficit to equalize in added time before triumphing in the shootout.

In contrast, Senegal have been one of the most impressive teams in the competition. They topped their group with two wins and a draw before staging a comeback against Sudan in the round of 16.

After falling behind, the Teranga Lions rallied to take the lead before halftime and ultimately sealed a 3-1 victory.

Pape Thiaw’s squad enters this fixture with confidence, boasting an impressive 15-game unbeaten run in the competition during regulation time (W10, D5).

Senegal have not lost any of the last ten H2Hs (W6, D4), including a 1-1 draw with Mali at the 2004 AFCON.

Mali will be without key personnel for Friday's clash. Woyo Coulibaly is suspended following his red card against Tunisia. Additionally, Lassana Coulibaly is a major doubt after being forced off with an injury in the same match.

Senegal, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad, giving coach Pape Thiaw a wealth of options. The biggest boost is the return of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is available again after serving a suspension.

Iliman Ndiaye, who was rested against Sudan, could also return to the starting lineup, potentially forming a potent attacking trio alongside Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson.

Mali:Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traore; Dieng, Bissouma; Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sangare; Sinayoko

Senegal:Mendy; Jakobs, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra; Mane, Jackson, Ndiaye

After reviewing our predictions, be sure to visit the Livescore Bet website to bet on your favourite games with enticing odds.

Senegal have been outstanding in the tournament so far, and enter this one as slight favourites. Mali have been solid, but we are backing the Teranga Lions to advance.

• Senegal to win

• Under 3.5 total goals