Senegal and Mali will face off in Tangier this Friday for a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, in a clash that promises intensity, skill, and national pride.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT, with live coverage on Canal+ CAN and RTS Senegal.
Though the two West African nations share historical ties, similar flag colors—green, yellow, and red—and even the same national motto, “One People, One Goal, One Faith,” on the pitch there is no room for friendship.
Both teams will be driven by the desire to advance and secure a shot at AFCON glory in Rabat on 18 January.
For Mali, the pressure is clear. The Eagles have yet to lift the AFCON trophy, and coach Tom Saintfiet framed the quarter-final as a pivotal moment.
“We are on a mission. We have a dream. We believe this is our moment. We are the only ones among the quarter-finalists who have never won this title. For the Malian people, for us, for the Eagles, this is our moment. The only ones who matter are the Eagles of Mali,” Saintfiet said at a press briefing.
Saintfiet’s remarks underline the sense of urgency and national pride driving the Malian squad, known for its resilience and tactical discipline.
Senegal arrives in Tangier with a different history but equally high expectations.
The Lions of Teranga captured the AFCON title in February 2022 and are determined to replicate that success. However, their journey in this tournament has been a measured one.
Early matches against Botswana (3-0), the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), and Benin (3-0) produced solid but unspectacular performances.
It was only in the round of 16, with a 3-1 victory over Sudan, that the team began to hit the form fans had hoped to see from the outset.
Both sides are intimately familiar with each other’s styles, strengths, and weaknesses, adding an extra layer of tactical intrigue.
Senegal will rely on its blend of experience and attacking prowess, while Mali will count on organization, physicality, and the determination of players who see this as their golden opportunity to write history.
Beyond the immediate stakes of a semi-final berth, this match represents a broader narrative of ambition and legacy.
🗣️ Tom Sainfiet : « On a affronté des équipes plus fortes que le Sénégal. Jouer contre le Maroc ou la Tunisie, c’est différent. On n’est pas impressionnés par le Sénégal »#wiwsport pic.twitter.com/bbdOjS7mhN
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) January 8, 2026
For Senegal, it is about consolidating dominance and pursuing a second consecutive title.
For Mali, it is about breaking new ground and finally tasting the triumph that has so far eluded them.
As Tangier prepares to host this West African showdown, the tension is palpable.
Both nations, proud of their footballing heritage and eager to impress on the continental stage, will leave nothing on the field.
Friday’s encounter is set to be a compelling, high-stakes battle where pride, history, and ambition converge in pursuit of AFCON glory.
