Mali will go out in search of their first semi-final ticket since 2013, when they clash with Senegal in the first quarter-final fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanger on Friday.
Mali survived a tough test against Tunisia, coming from behind in their second fixture to win on penalties, after 120 minutes of football, while Senegal dispatched Sudan 3-1 in their own fixture.
You can have a look at our free Mali vs Senegal AFCON predictions and betting tips below.
Contents
- 1 Mali vs Senegal predictions: Can Senegal continue their dominance over Mali?
- 2 Most recent H2Hs: Senegal will look to extend their impressive run
- 3 Mali preview: The Eagles will aim to book their first semi-final ticket since 2013
- 4 Senegal preview: Kalidou Koulibaly will return to the starting XI
- 5 Player to watch: Lassine Sinayoko
Mali vs Senegal predictions: Can Senegal continue their dominance over Mali?
Key stats
- Six of Senegal's last eight matches saw only one team score.
- Mali are unbeaten in their last seven games (W2, D4).
- All of Mali's last four fixtures in the ongoing AFCON ended in draws.
- Senegal are unbeaten in their last five matches (W4, D1).
Correct score prediction: Mali 1-2 Senegal
Senegal are undoubtedly the favourite for this fixture, considering their fine performance and history of dominance over Mali in the last few years. The Ternaga Lions have eased their way through to the last eight, and they are expected to be the dominant side on Friday.
Mali, on the other hand, have shown dexterity on their way to booking their spot in the quarter final of the competition, and they will pose a threat to the ambition of their opponents, but Pape Thiaw's team are a good value for a 2-1 victory.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The bookies have backed Senegal
- HOME: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.5%
- AWAY: 4/7 (2.80) – 63.6%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Senegal are chasing their second AFCON title, and the journey in Morocco has been relatively smooth, but as the competition progresses, the quality of opposition becomes tougher, and up against Mali, they will face their toughest test in the competition at this stage.
The bookies value them to win at odds of 4/7 (2.80), which implies a 63.6%, while a win for Mali is priced at 17/4 (5.25), which gives them a 19.0% chance of advancing to the semi-finals on Friday.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve gone through our Mali vs Senegal predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Senegal will look to extend their impressive run
Senegal have completely dominated meetings between them, claiming four victories and a draw in their last five head-to-head encounters between the pair.
Mali preview: The Eagles will aim to book their first semi-final ticket since 2013
Mali reached the last four in the 2013 edition of the competition, but since then, they have not been able to replicate that performance. Their clash against Senegal provides an opportunity for them to reach the last four of Africa's premier competition once again.
However, they will be without Lassana Coulibaly, who was withdrawn against Tunisia, and Woyo Coulibaly, after he was sent off against Tunisia.
Predicted lineup: Diarra (GK), Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traore, Dieng, Bissouma, Colulibaly, Doumbia, Sangare, Sinayoko
Last five matches
- Mali 1-1 Tunisia
- Comoros 0-0 Mali
- Morocco 1-1 Mali
- Mali 1-1 Zambia
- Jordan 0-0 Mali
Senegal preview: Kalidou Koulibaly will return to the starting XI
The biggest news in the Teranaga Lions camp is that captain Kalidou Koulibaly is available to be picked again, after he served a one-game ban following his red card against Benin.
His availability bolsters the squad to full strength, and Pape has the luxury of picking a familiar starting XI for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Mendy (GK), Jakobs, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Diatta, P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Diarra, Mane, Jackson, Ndiaye
Last five matches
- Senegal 3-1 Sudan
- Benin 0-3 Senegal
- Senegal 1-1 DR Congo
- Senegal 3-0 Botswana
- Senegal 8-0 Kenya
Player to watch: Lassine Sinayoko
Lassine Sinayoko has distinguished himself in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The forward has found the back of the net three times, and he will be keen to add to his tally on Friday.
