Check out our preview for the AFCON quarter-final between Mali & Senegal, featuring predicted lineups and a 16/1 betting tip.
Mali vs Senegal
| Tournament: | Africa Cup of Nations |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Stade Ibn Batouta, Tanger. |
| Date: | 09.01.2026 |
| Kick-Off Time: | 16:00 GMT |
Mali vs Senegal – Form, Team News & Predicted Lineups
Mali needed penalties to overcome Tunisia in the Round of 16 after a gruelling 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, showing resilience to progress despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Senegal, by contrast, produced a strong response after an early setback to beat Sudan 3-1, underlining their attacking depth and ability to recover from adversity. Recent history favours the reigning champions, with Senegal unbeaten in their last six meetings with Mali, including a 2-1 friendly win in 2019.
Mali’s squad looks stretched heading into this quarter-final, with Woyo Coulibaly suspended and injuries to Sikou Niakaté and Gaoussou Diarra, while doubts remain over Mamadou Doumbia and Lassana Coulibaly. Senegal are in a healthier position, boosted by the return of Kalidou Koulibaly from suspension, though Ismail Jakobs remains a doubt. With Mali facing key absences and Senegal close to full strength, the balance of form and fitness appears to tilt in favour of the holders.
Mali (4-2-3-1): Diarra; Dante, Camara, Diaby, Traoré; Dieng, Bissouma; Doumbia, L. Coulibaly, Sangaré; Sinayoko.
Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diouf, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diatta; Gueye, Gueye, Diarra; Mané, Jackson, Sarr.
Who is the betting favourite in Mali vs Senegal?
Senegal are the 4/6 favourites to get the win inside 90 minutes to reach the AFCON semi-finals. The draw to send the match to extra time is 12/5, and Mali are the 11/2 underdogs.
| Mali vs Senegal Match Result | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Mali Win | 11/2 | bet365 |
| Draw | 12/5 | BetMGM |
| Senegal Win | 4/6 | William Hill |
Odds last updated at 10:30, Friday 9th January.
Betfair Sportsbook
- Very strong sign up offer
- Flush and fast app available on both iOS and Android
- Extensive betting content site via betting.betfair
Mali vs Senegal Match Prediction
Senegal look the stronger of the two sides heading into this quarter-final, having shown far greater attacking authority and decisiveness throughout the tournament.
While Mali have impressed with their resilience and organisation, they remain without a win inside 90 minutes at AFCON 2025 and have struggled to put games away, often allowing pressure to build late on.
Senegal, by contrast, have been ruthless when on top, winning their last nine matches in normal time by margins of two goals or more and remaining unbeaten across 15 AFCON games inside 90 minutes.
The head-to-head record also favours the Lions of Teranga, who are unbeaten in their last ten meetings with Mali.
If Senegal impose themselves early and avoid being dragged into a war of attrition, they should have enough quality and depth to progress.
Score Prediction: Mali 1-3 Senegal
Mali vs Senegal Betting Tip
Our Bet Builder tip for Mali vs Senegal is:
Idrissa Gueye - To Be Shown a Card
Aliou Dieng - To Be Shown a Card
The card double pays a best price of 16/1 with bet365, and is as short as 9/1 elsewhere. That's a £70 difference in potential winnings from a £10 stake.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builders with our exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
