AFCON: Senegal star Sadio Mane urges calm ahead of Mali clash

Senegal forward Sadio Mane has remained calm despite the West African nation being tipped as among the favourites to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga will return to action at the Grande Stade de Tanger to face the Eagles, who reached the stage without winning a game.

Mali reached the knockout stages after drawing all their group matches. In the Round of 16, they drew 1-1 against Tunisia in extra time but prevailed 3-2 on penalties to reach the quarterfinals.

While Senegal have played all four of their matches at the tournament in Tangier, Mali have played three games in Casablanca, including two group games and their Round of 16 clash, and one group match in Rabat.

‘What matters now is focus’

“In Africa, there are national teams that are candidates to win the title, and I believe we are among them, but with my experience I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament,” the former Liverpool striker said as quoted by SuperSport.

“The proof is that we played well more than once and saw the results in the end. Playing well is important, but it is not the most important thing at the moment.

“What matters now is focus and dealing with the tournament match by match, because the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy, and what matters is winning, not how.”

This will be the second meeting between Mali and Senegal at the AFCON finals.