Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet set a combative tone ahead of his side’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Senegal, predicting an uncompromising contest as the two neighbours prepare to meet in Tangier.
Speaking just hours before kick-off at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday at 16:00 GMT, Saintfiet delivered a blunt assessment of what awaits both teams.
The Belgian coach described the encounter as a battle in every sense, stressing that intensity and mental strength will define the outcome.
He framed the fixture as a fierce regional derby and left no doubt about its emotional weight.
Saintfiet showed no hesitation in praising Senegal’s current standing. He labelled the reigning African champions as the strongest team in the tournament at present, highlighting their balance, maturity, and efficiency.
According to the Mali coach, Senegal combine defensive discipline with ruthless attacking intent, punishing opponents whenever space appears.
He pointed to their ability to score with ease while maintaining control at the back as a defining strength.
Despite that assessment, Saintfiet struck a confident note about Mali’s readiness.
He reminded observers that his team has avoided defeat throughout the competition and has already faced demanding opposition.
Matches against Tunisia and Morocco, he argued, tested Mali’s resilience and confirmed their capacity to compete at the highest level.
Those performances, he believes, have strengthened belief inside the squad.
Preparation has played a central role in Mali’s approach. Saintfiet confirmed full availability across his squad and underlined the intensity of recent training sessions.
He spoke of unity, focus, and collective responsibility, insisting that every player understands the magnitude of the task ahead. For Mali, discipline and courage will guide their strategy.
Respect for Senegal runs deep, but Saintfiet refused to allow admiration to turn into intimidation. He acknowledged Senegal’s status as favourites yet dismissed any suggestion of fear within his camp.
In his view, knockout football rewards conviction and bravery as much as pedigree. Mali intend to compete with ambition rather than caution.
Saintfiet also hinted at the possibility of an upset. He expressed belief in his players’ ability to rise to the occasion and challenge expectations.
For him, the quarter-final offers an opportunity to test Mali’s progress and measure their growth against Africa’s benchmark side.
As anticipation builds in Tangier, Mali enter the contest with determination and clarity.
Saintfiet’s message remains direct and unwavering: the challenge will feel brutal, the opponent will demand respect, and Mali will step onto the pitch without fear.
