A classic West African rivalry is set for a massive stage. Mali and Senegal are ready to clash in a highly anticipated Quarter-final at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The match kicks off today, January 9, 2026, at the Grande Stade de Tanger. While both teams have battled hard to reach this point, history and current form tell two very different stories, setting up a truly captivating encounter. This is more than just a game; it’s a battle for a semi-final spot, steeped in regional pride.

A History of Dominance: Senegal’s Long Unbeaten Run

When looking at the history books, Senegal holds a clear advantage over Mali. In 40 matches between the two nations, the Lions of Teranga have been victorious 19 times. In contrast, the Eagles of Mali have only managed 8 wins, with 13 games ending in a draw. This historical dominance is not just a relic of the past; it’s a current trend.

In fact, Senegal is currently on an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak against Mali. Mali’s last victory in this fixture was all the way back in a 1997 friendly. Their most recent meeting in 2019 also went Senegal’s way, with two late goals from Sadio Mané sealing a 2-1 win. This long-standing record certainly gives Senegal a psychological edge heading into the quarter-final.

Current Form: An Unstoppable Force Meets an Immovable Object

The path each team has taken to the quarter-final could not be more different. Senegal has been in blistering form, looking every bit the defending champions. On the other hand, Mali has shown incredible resilience.

Senegal’s Attacking Prowess

The Lions of Teranga have been a juggernaut in this tournament.

• They have won three of their four matches so far.
• In those victories, they consistently scored three or more goals.
• Furthermore, they are unbeaten in their last 15 AFCON matches in normal time, showcasing their tournament pedigree.

Mali’s Defensive Grit

The Eagles have built their success on a solid foundation.

• They reached this stage without a single win in regular time, drawing their games.
• Their advance came after a tense penalty shootout victory in the Round of 16.
• While they have only scored three goals, their defensive strength has been crucial.

This sets up a classic football narrative: will Senegal’s high-powered offence finally break down Mali’s stubborn defence? It’s a tactical battle that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

A Rare AFCON Meeting

Interestingly, despite their long history, this is only the second time Mali and Senegal have ever met in the AFCON finals. Their only previous tournament encounter was during the 2004 group stage. That match ended in a 1-1 draw. This adds another layer of intrigue, as tournament football is a unique pressure cooker where past friendly results can mean very little.

Conclusion: Will History Repeat Itself?

As the whistle blows in Tanger, all eyes will be on this titanic clash. Senegal enters as the clear favourite, armed with a dominant historical record and explosive current form. They have the experience and the firepower to go all the way. However, Mali has proven to be a tough nut to crack. Their defensive organisation and resilience have carried them this far, and they will undoubtedly believe they can cause an upset. It’s a match that promises drama, passion, and a fight to the very last second for a coveted spot in the AFCON semi-finals.