Senegal and Mali will meet in a highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at Grand Stade de Tanger on Friday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00pm CAT.

Mali advanced to the last eight after a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V last Saturday. The match had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, but missed penalties from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane paved the way for the Eagles to secure their quarter-final spot.

Senegal, on the other hand, enjoyed a smoother path in their Round of 16 clash, defeating Sudan 3-1 at Stade de Tanger.

Sudan initially took the lead through Aamir Yunis in the sixth minute, but Pape Gueye, who scored twice, and Ibrahim Mbaye turned the game around to secure victory for the Lions of Teranga.

After the win, seasoned Senegalese star Sadio Mane emphasized the importance of a measured approach for the remainder of the tournament.

“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 said.

“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 Record:

Games: 7

Senegal wins: 5

Mali wins: 0

Draws: 2