Analysis: Saintfiet – Mali’s ultimate star but Senegal’s scare looms

When Tom Saintfiet was in charge of Gambia in 2021, he achieved the unthinkable. He steered the Scorpions to their first-ever CAF AFCON finals and a step closer to scaling quarter-final heights. From that moment, it was clear the mop-haired Belgian had outgrown Gambia.

Therefore, it came as a no-brainer when the former Malawi coach picked the Eagles’ job. Having been linked with the Super Eagles before they settled for Eric Chelle, all seemed scripted in the stars that somehow, the Belgian was destined for a team with an eagle somewhere on its name.

Now, Saintfiet is on the cusp of yet another piece of personal coaching milestone. He will try to orchestrate Mali’s navigation past tough Senegal in the AFCON quarter-final clash at the Grande Stade de Tanger on Friday. Kick-off at 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT).

Quarter-final action. Mali vs Senegal. 🇲🇱🇸🇳

One win away from a #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 semi-final spot. Who takes it? pic.twitter.com/1nAsLZDBi8

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026

From the days of Seydou Keita to Frederic Kanoute, Mali have never been short of classy players. However, it is fair to say that they have, over the years, lacked depth and balance—either they have always had excellent strikers, but lousy midfielders or defenders to complement the equation.

Looking at the current Mali squad, it is fair to say they do not have a particular superstar—just enough quality to see them across the line. Therefore, Mali’s ultimate star is the well-travelled Saintfiet, whose substitutions and tactics are top-notch.

The former Namibia tactician once again reminded the continent of his tactical astuteness when he steered his side to a one-all draw with Tunisia on Saturday. All that despite having laboured on the pitch with a man less for 64 minutes after Mali defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in Casablanca.

How Saintfiet’s Mali overcame Tunisia at AFCON

At that stage, the odds were stacked against Mali. However, the Eagles not only held the Carthage Eagles in the Round-of-16 match, but also sent them packing back after edging them 3-2 on post-match penalties.

Now, ahead of the quarterfinal, Sainfiet, as quoted by SuperSport website, has since acknowledged that his charges need to bring their A-game when facing Senegal.

Surely, the Teranga Lions are not the continent’s second-ranked team for nothing. They are so careless that they can beat anyone on their crazy day. Just ask Thomas Tuchel and his Three Lions.

“…I think we are playing the best [Senegal]. The only team they have lost to over the last few years was Brazil. They even beat England. It is a stable team, but also very strong, who score easily, who don’t give up much and are very dangerous,” the Mali mentor said.

To contain Senegal, Mali need the discipline of Al Ahly SC’s Aliou Dieng combined with the grit of Tottenham Hotspur’s counterpart Yves Bissouma. Once that balance is achieved, then AJ Auxerre FC’s Lassine Sinayoko can concentrate on the scoring business. He has three goals at the tournament so far.

Mali have never won the AFCON title but were bridesmaids in the 1972 edition when they reached the final. The Eagles have won three and drawn once in their last four outings at the AFCON finals. They emerged from Group A as the runner-up.

For Senegal, they are the overwhelming favourites to win not only the quarterfinal, but even go all the way to conquer Africa again. As they did in 2021. The Teranga Lions, led by youthful Pape Thiaw, are spoiled of quality, depth and experience all over the pitch.

They are fearless and adventurous. In Ismaila Sarr, they have a speed merchant. Sadio Mane’s close ball-control and turns bring dynamism and x-factor in the attacking-third. Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is the epicentre of defiance. Idrissa Gueye is the master of the dark arts of mopping the floor. With the Teranga Lions, you just never know what will hurt you. Say, a little prayer for Mali.

PAST MEETINGS BETWEEN SENEGAL AND MALI

OVERALL

Mali: P 40 W8 D13 L19 GF38 GA61 GD-23

Senegal: P40 W19 D12 L8 GF61 GA38 GD+23

AFCON ONLY

Mali: P1 W0 D1 L0 GF1 GA1 GD0

Senegal: P1 W0 D1 L0 GF1 GA1 GD0

PAST AFCON MEETINGS

2004 – Group B – 2 February 2004

Senegal 1 (Beye 45+2’) Mali 1 (Traoré 34’)