Senegal Gear Up for Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Final Against Mali

Dakar, 9 January 2026 – Senegal, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, are set to face Mali in the quarter-finals of the tournament at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade. As the Lions of Teranga aim to defend their title, their rich history and star-studded squad make them favourites, but Mali’s resilience poses a significant challenge.

Senegal’s Journey to the Quarter-Finals

Senegal qualified for the knockout stages after topping Group D with seven points from three matches, including a 3-1 victory over Sudan in their final group game. The team, coached by Pape Thiaw, has shown strong form, conceding only one goal in the group phase. Their path to the final in 2021, where they defeated Egypt on penalties, highlighted their ability to perform under pressure. In the 2022 World Cup, Senegal reached the round of 16, beating hosts Qatar before losing to England, showcasing their growing international stature.

Key Facts and Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Senegal’s key players for the match against Mali?

Sadio Mané remains a talisman despite his age, with Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr providing pace up front. In defence, Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaté anchor the backline, while midfielders like Idrissa Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr control the game.

What is Senegal’s recent form?

Senegal have won eight of their last 10 matches, including victories over Sudan and Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations. Their only loss in that period was to Brazil in a friendly.

How does Senegal compare to Mali?

Senegal hold a strong head-to-head record against Mali, with more wins in recent encounters. Mali, however, are known for their disciplined defence and could exploit any lapses, as seen in their group stage performances.