The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its fever pitch tonight, Friday, January 9, 2026, as regional rivals Mali and Senegal clash in the first quarter-final. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier, Morocco.
This match is a classic contrast in styles: Senegal's "Teranga Lions" have been the tournament's most clinical attacking force, while Mali’s "Eagles" have relied on sheer defensive grit and penalty heroics to reach the final eight.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Quarter-Final)
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Kick-off: 16:00 GMT / 17:00 local / 11:00 ET
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco
Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
Broadcast: Channel 4 Sport/E4 (UK), beIN SPORTS (US/France), Canal+ Sport (Africa)
The Storyline: The Imperious Lions vs. The Resilient Eagles
Senegal: The Unstoppable Force
Pape Thiaw’s Senegal enters this quarter-final as the clear form team of the tournament. The Lions are currently on a 15-match unbeaten streak in AFCON play (within 90 minutes). After topping their group with two wins and a draw, they showed their champion mentality by coming from behind to beat Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16.
Led by the evergreen Sadio Mané, who leads the tournament with three assists, Senegal ranks first in the competition for shots on target. They have played all their matches in Tangier so far, making the Grand Stade de Tanger feel like a second home.
Mali: The "Draw Kings" Seek History
In one of the most remarkable runs in AFCON history, Mali has reached the quarter-finals without winning a single game in open play. Tom Saintfiet’s side drew all three group matches (0–0, 1–1, 0–0) and advanced through the Round of 16 by beating Tunisia 3–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
If Mali wins tonight, they will become the first team ever to reach an AFCON semi-final without a victory in 90 minutes. They have embraced a "defensive and aggressive" identity, leading the tournament in tackles and interceptions, though they will be missing key defensive personnel tonight.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Mali Team News
Suspension: Right-back Woyo Coulibaly is out after receiving a red card in the 26th minute against Tunisia.
Injury: Midfielder Lassana Coulibaly is sidelined with a leg injury.
Key Player: Lassine Sinayoko has scored three goals this tournament; Mali has never lost an AFCON match in which he has scored.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Diarra; H. Traoré, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Bissouma, Dieng; Sangaré, Sinayoko, Doumbia; El Bilal Touré.
Senegal Team News
Clean Bill of Health: Senegal reports no fresh injury concerns. Kalidou Koulibaly returns to the starting lineup after serving a suspension.
Star Man: Pape Gueye is in sensational form, coming off a brace in the previous rounds.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Seck, Koulibaly, Jakobs; P. Gueye, I. Gueye, Camara; Mané, Sarr, Jackson.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
The Long Drought: Senegal is unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Mali (6 wins, 7 draws). Mali’s last victory in this fixture was in 1997.
AFCON History: This is only the second time these two have met in the AFCON finals. Their only previous meeting was a 1–1 draw in the 2004 group stages.
The 90-Minute Rule: Each of Mali’s last three AFCON quarter-finals has been level after 90 minutes.
Assists King: Sadio Mané now holds the all-time record for AFCON assists (9).
Tactical Analysis: Attack vs. Attrition
Senegal will look to dominate possession and use the width of Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson to pull Mali’s compact defense apart. With Pape Gueye arriving late into the box, Senegal offers threats from multiple angles.
Mali’s strategy will be clear: sit deep, absorb pressure, and pray for another masterclass from goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who saved two penalties in the last round. However, with Woyo Coulibaly suspended, the Eagles’ right flank may be vulnerable to Mané’s drifting runs.
Match Prediction
Mali’s resilience has been the story of the tournament, but Senegal has too much attacking variety and depth. While the Eagles might hold out for a half, the Teranga Lions' quality should eventually break the deadlock.
Final Score Prediction: Mali 0–2 Senegal
