Senegal forward Sadio Mané has highlighted the challenge his team faces as they take on Mali in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final in Morocco on Friday.

The Lions of Teranga will return to action at the Grand Stade de Tanger against the Eagles, who reached the last eight without winning a single match in Group A. Senegal, meanwhile, topped Group D with seven points, winning two matches and drawing one.

Mali drew 1–1 with Zambia and hosts Morocco, followed by a 0–0 draw against Comoros in the group stage. In the Round of 16, they held Tunisia to a 1–1 draw and advanced 3–2 on penalties.

Senegal began their campaign with a 3–0 win over Botswana, drew 1–1 against DR Congo, and finished the group stage with a 3–0 victory against Benin. They then comfortably beat Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16.

“We respect them a lot”

Mané, who has scored one AFCON goal in four matches so far, stressed that Senegal will need a collective effort to overcome Mali.

“Mali are one of the best teams in this tournament so far. They are strong, disciplined and very well organised. It will be a big battle. These are the games we dream of playing as footballers,” Mané told CAF Media.

“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. 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 emphasised the team’s unity as their key strength:
“Unity is our biggest strength. We are honest with each other and always tell the truth within the group. The younger players are disciplined, they listen, and follow the example set by the senior players. That balance makes this group special.”

Staying grounded despite favourite status

Despite being tipped as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, Mané urged caution:
“At AFCON, there are always favourites, and we are one of them. But I always remind the boys to stay calm because this tournament is not always won by the best team. We learned that from experience. 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.”

On representing Senegal, Mané said:
“There is no shirt I am prouder to wear than Senegal’s. This badge means everything to me. I play with one mindset: 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.”

The significance of winning AFCON

Mané stressed that lifting a second AFCON title would be a career-defining achievement. Senegal won their first AFCON in 2021 after previously finishing as runners-up in 2002 and 2019.

“Winning with Senegal is the greatest achievement of my career. Nothing compares to success with your country. If we can do it again, it would mean everything—for me and for the people. It also sends a message to the youth: believe, work hard and never stop. That is the mentality of a champion.”

He added:
“I don’t want to be remembered only as a footballer, but as a good human being. There are many things more important than football. Be yourself, be honest, and show respect. Young people are watching, and your behaviour matters. If you can be a great person first, everything else will follow.”

Head-to-head history

Senegal and Mali will meet for the second time at AFCON, having played 41 matches overall. Senegal lead the head-to-head with 19 wins, Mali have eight, and 13 encounters have ended in draws.