2025 AFCON: Senegal are favourite but we will do everything possible to win - Mali coach Tom Saintfiet

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has expressed confidence in his squad ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarterfinal clash against Senegal, insisting his team will give everything to secure a win.

The Eagles are set to face the Taranga Lions later today at Tangier Grand Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Speaking to the media, Saintfiet acknowledged Senegal’s strength but emphasized Mali’s readiness to challenge them.

"Senegal is one of the biggest teams on the continent. They have been at the highest level for years and are very stable, with great individual quality and strong team cohesion. In 2025, they have only lost once, against Brazil. They beat England and drew with Ireland, very good results for an African team," he said.

"They are the favourites, and we are the outsiders, and we accept that. But we have already shown against Morocco and Tunisia that we are not afraid. We also have good players. Our only undoing is not scoring as many goals as we would like, but we are very disciplined when we don’t have the ball. Our plan is ready for Senegal. We have a lot of respect for them, and we will do everything possible to stay in this competition until the end.

Saintfiet also praised Senegal’s long-term consistency and the organisation of their football federation.

"They are a team with very good players who have been playing at a very high level for the past 10 years and have a lot of experience. The structure and organisation of the Senegalese Football Federation is exceptional and serves as an example for many African countries. Their individual quality is also outstanding, but I trust my team, and we are focused on our own strengths. After that, we’ll see if it’s enough or not," he added.