Senegal forward Sadio Mane has sounded a note of caution ahead of the Teranga Lions’ quarter-final showdown against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, describing the encounter as a decisive battle that will require unity, focus, and mental strength.
The highly anticipated West African derby will take place on Friday at the Grand Stade de Tanger, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. Senegal return to action as one of the tournament favourites, while Mali arrive battle-hardened after an unbeaten but winless run to the last eight.
Mali progressed from Group A after drawing all three of their matches 1-1 against Zambia, 1-1 versus hosts Morocco, and 0-0 with Comoros. Their resilience was again on display in the Round of 16, where they held Tunisia to a 1-1 draw after extra time before triumphing 3-2 on penalties.
Senegal, by contrast, enjoyed a more convincing group-stage campaign. The former African champions opened with a dominant 3-0 victory over Botswana, followed by a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, before sealing qualification with another emphatic 3-0 win over Benin. They then brushed aside Sudan 3-1 in the last 16 to book their quarter-final place.
Despite Senegal’s impressive form, Sadio Mane who has scored once in four matches at the tournament insists that Mali pose a serious threat.
“Mali are one of the best teams in this tournament so far,” Sadio Mane told CAF Media. “They are strong, disciplined and very well organised. It will be a big battle. These are the games we dream of playing as footballers.”
The former Liverpool star emphasised that only a collective effort will see Senegal through.
“We respect them a lot, and we know it will take a strong collective performance to win. Mindset is everything. At this stage, nothing surprises me anymore. Anything can happen,” he said.
“That’s why focus has to be at the highest level. Whatever happens in the game, you must stay together and keep going. This stage is decisive, and mental strength will make the difference.”
Mané also highlighted unity within the Senegal squad as a defining strength.
“Unity is our biggest strength. We are honest with each other and we always tell the truth within the group. Without unity, you cannot achieve your dreams,” he added.
“The younger players are disciplined, they listen, and they follow the example set by the senior players. That balance makes this group special.”
Although many pundits have tipped Senegal as strong contenders for the title, Mané who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr remains cautious.
“At AFCON, there are always favourites, and we are one of them. But this tournament is not always won by the best team,” he said.
“We learned that in 2021. We didn’t play great in the group stage, but we won the trophy. Today, the most important thing is to win the game,it doesn’t matter how.”
Sadio Mane also spoke passionately about what representing Senegal means to him.
“There is no shirt I am prouder to wear than Senegal’s. This badge means everything to me,” he said.
“When my career ends, I don’t want to have any regrets about what I gave to my country. Playing for Senegal is a mission, not just football.”
Looking ahead, the 31-year-old admitted that lifting the AFCON trophy again would be the ultimate achievement. Senegal are making their 18th appearance at the tournament, having finished runners-up in 2002 and 2019 before finally claiming their maiden title in 2021 with a penalty shootout victory over Egypt.
“Winning with Senegal is the greatest achievement of my career. Nothing compares to success with your country,” Mané said.
“If we can do it again, it would mean everything for me and for the people. It sends a message to the youth: believe, work hard and never stop. That is the mentality of a champion.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of character beyond football.
“I don’t want to be remembered only as a footballer, but as a good human being. Young people are watching, and your behaviour matters.”
Friday’s encounter will mark only the second meeting between Senegal and Mali at AFCON. Overall, the two nations have faced each other 41 times, with Senegal holding the historical advantage 19 wins to Mali’s eight, while 13 matches have ended in draws.
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