AFCON 2025: Mali embrace underdog status ahead of quarter-final showdown with Senegal – Tom Saintfiet

Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet believes his side can overcome Senegal in their quarter-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, even as he acknowledges that the Eagles will head into the encounter as underdogs.

Mali booked their place in the last eight of the tournament in Morocco on Saturday night after a gritty display against Tunisia, battling through adversity to progress despite being reduced to ten men.

The fiercely contested tie went into extra time before being decided on penalties, where goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero by saving Tunisia’s last two spot kicks to hand Mali a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory.

Speaking after the match, Saintfiet expressed immense pride in his squad and singled out their collective spirit, highlighting the belief he instilled in the players ahead of the contest.

“I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players. Before the match, I told them that they are champions,” Saintfiet said.

Turning his attention to the upcoming quarter-final against Senegal, the Belgian tactician conceded that the Lions of Teranga will be widely regarded as favourites, pointing to Mali’s recent history of facing highly rated opponents at the tournament.

“Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches,” Saintfiet said.

Despite that assessment, Saintfiet remains confident that Mali have what it takes to cause another upset, as they look to defy expectations once more and secure a place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025.