Mali vs Senegal Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Bradley Gibbs in AFCON Picks
On Friday, the heat gets turned up at the African Cup of Nations. It’s time for the quarter finals. Eight nations remain. Kicking off the next round of knockout matches is Mali and Senegal, both of whom have impressed at the tournament so far, but only one can proceed.
In the early betting, it is the Lions of Teranga who are fancied to get the job done, and let’s be honest, it’s not too difficult to see why. Pape Thiaw’s men looked very strong during the group stages, while they stepped on the gas nicely during the Round of 16. It was nowhere near as easy for the men from Mali, who had to grind out results during the groups, while they needed to dig deep last time out, but dig deep they did, edging out a very decent Tunisian side. This is a team that knows how to fight, so we shouldn’t be surprised if the Senegalese players find this tougher than any of their previous tasks.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Mali vs Senegal Form
Mali and Senegal Latest Matches
1/6 (17%)
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 3, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 3, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 19, 2024 - AFCON
Oct 11, 2024 - AFCON
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - International Friendlies
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 3, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 3, 2026 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 12, 2025 - African Nations Championship
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 29, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Mali - Senegal: Form Analysis
For Mali, it really was all about keeping things tight and getting through in second place during the groups. They were never really going to challenge the Moroccans for top spot in Group A, and they didn’t, but by making themselves tough to break down, conceding just two goals and losing zero games, they found a way to qualify for the knockouts. The Eagles didn’t exactly begin their Round-of-16 game against Tunisia on the front foot, losing Woyo Coulibaly to a red card after just 26 minutes, but they weren’t deterred by that set back, defending doggedly, before somehow finding the strength to get back into the game after conceding the opener with only two minutes of regulation time remaining.
As group winners, they were awarded a relatively easy Round-of-16 game against Sudan, who they beat without ever really needing to get out of third gear.
Senegal’s path to the quarters was an easier one to follow. They made light work of winning their group, winning two, tying one, scoring seven and conceding only two in the process. As group winners, they were awarded a relatively easy Round-of-16 game against Sudan, who they beat without ever really needing to get out of third gear.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Mali against Senegal Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Mali & Senegal Squad Analysis
Following his dismissal against Tunisia, Woyo Coulibaly is suspended and will not feature in this game. Hamari Traore is expected to deputize for the absent defender. There are also doubts over Lassana Coulibaly, who missed out last time out thanks to a knock, while Gaoussou Diarra reportedly sustained an injury against Comoros and is not expected to play on Friday.
Woyo Coulibaly is suspended and will not feature in this game. Hamari Traore is expected to deputize for the absent defender.
The Lions of Teranga have been without promising young talent Assane Diao since the start of the tournament. He is not expected to feature here, while Ilay Camara is another player unlikely to be involved. Midfielder Pape Gueye scored not once but twice against Sudan and is once again expected to start in the centre of midfield.
Most goals and assists
Mali
Senegal
L. Sinayoko
(3 Goals)
P. Gueye
(2 Goals)
,
C. Ndiaye
(2 Goals)
,
N. Jackson
(2 Goals)
S. Mane
(3 Assists)
Mali - Senegal Key Points
- Last time out, the Eagles both scored and conceded.
- The Lions of Teranga also scored and conceded during the Round of 16.
- Both teams have found the net in three of Mali's four games in Morocco.
- Between them, in eight games combined, the pair have failed to notch just once at this tournament.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Mali vs Senegal Prediction
The Eagles won't come into this game hoping for an open, end-to-end clash, though we shouldn't assume that they'll be all about defending. After all they are at their best offensively on the break, and let's face it, a game against a highly offensive Senegal team should provide ample counter-offensive opportunities.
Defensively, having struggled to keep a clean sheet against Morocco, as sturdy as they can be, the hosts will find it tough to halt one of the strongest attacks in the tournament, leaving 'Both Teams to Score' looking a little leniently priced at odds of +135.
Our Mali vs Senegal Pick: Both Teams to Score.
Mali vs Senegal - Other Interesting Picks
Lassine Sinayoko 1+ Shots on Target
Mali vs Senegal match : Frequently asked questions
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
