Can Mali upset Senegal in tough AFCON quarter-final clash?

Mali will face Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday, aiming to continue their run despite heavy odds. The West African side reached the last eight after holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw and advancing on penalties, even after defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute.

Serie A midfielder Lassana Coulibaly said Mali will need the same mental strength against Senegal, acknowledging that they are not favourites but believe they can win with determination and physical resilience.

Senegal, Africa’s second-ranked team, have scored 10 goals in the tournament and are seen as strong contenders for the semi-finals. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet described Senegal as a stable and dangerous team, but expressed confidence in his disciplined side, which has yet to lose at the tournament despite drawing three group games and advancing on penalties against Tunisia.

Mali are the only quarter-finalists without previous AFCON success, having been runners-up in 1972 and semi-finalists five times since.