The Lions of Teranga will return to action at the Grand Stade de Tanger to face the Eagles, who reached the last eight stage without winning a game from Group A, while the former African champions finished with seven points in Group D after winning two and drawing one.
Mali’s journey started with a 1-1 draw against Zambia, a 1-1 draw against hosts Morocco and a 0-0 draw against Comoros. In the Round of 16, they drew 1-1 against Tunisia in extra time but prevailed 3-2 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.
Senegal won their opener 3-0 against Botswana and followed it up with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before finishing the group matches with a 3-0 win against Benin.
Their last 16 fixture saw them pitted against Sudan, a fixture they comfortably won 3-1.
‘We respect them a lot’
According to the former Liverpool forward, who has so far scored one AFCON goal from four matches, Senegal will need a strong collective performance to prevail against their West African opponents.
“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,” said Mane as quoted by 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.”
Mane added: “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. The younger players are disciplined, they listen, and they follow the example set by the senior players. That balance makes this group special.”
While many pundits have tipped Senegal as among the favourites to win the AFCON in Morocco, Mane, currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, believes otherwise.
“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,” said Mane.
“We have 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 what motivates him to wear the Senegal shirt, Mane responded: “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. That’s why I always try to give my best. Playing for Senegal is a mission, not just football.”
‘Winning AFCON will mean everything’
Mane further insisted that it will mean everything for him if Senegal, who are making their 18th appearance, manage to lift the trophy. The 2002 marked the best ever result in Senegalese football history, with the team falling to Cameroon 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the final.
Senegal once again finished as runners-up in 2019, losing the final 1-0 to Algeria, However, the nation finally won their first AFCON title in 2021, defeating Egypt on penalties in the final.
Asked what it will mean for his legacy if he helps Senegal to a second AFCON triumph, Mane, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and one of the best wingers of his generation, said: “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.”
In history, Senegal, and Mali will be meeting in the second time at AFCON, while overall they have met 41 times, with Senegal leading the head-to-head with 19 wins to Mali’s eight, while 13 matches have ended in draws.
