Preview: Mali vs Senegal - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Mali) Strength]:
1. In the Round of 16, playing with ten men for most of the match and trailing by a goal deep into stoppage time, Mali forced extra time with a last-gasp penalty before eventually eliminating Tunisia in a penalty shootout. This experience has significantly boosted the team's cohesion and belief, as they are fighting for national honor and team spirit.
2. In the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, despite being reduced to ten men in just the 26th minute, Mali earned a penalty deep into stoppage time and scored a dramatic equalizer. They then went on to defeat Tunisia 3-2 in the penalty shootout, demonstrating remarkable mental resilience and an unwavering never-give-up spirit.
3. Mali have remained unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across all competitions. Despite drawing many of these games, the team have maintained a relatively stable overall form.
4. Mali have scored 12 goals and conceded only 6 in their last 10 matches. The team have performed well in both attack and defense recently.

[(Mali) Weakness]:
1. Mali defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off with a red card in the Round of 16 and will be suspended for the upcoming match, which will impact the team's defensive setup.
2. Compared to Senegal, who boast several stars from Europe's top five leagues, Mali lack a true superstar in attack who can single-handedly change the course of a game.
3. Mali lost 4 of their last 5 games in AH.

[(Senegal) Strength]:
1. As the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions and currently ranked 19th in the world, Senegal hold a clear advantage in terms of paper strength and major tournament experience. In this edition, they comfortably topped their group with 2 wins and 1 draw, and then rallied from a goal down to defeat Sudan 3-1 in the Round of 16. This smooth progression has further solidified their confidence.
2. In the previous Round of 16 match, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye scored a brace, helping his team defeat Sudan 3-1 to advance to the quarter-final. Players like Pape Gueye possess the ability to decisively change the course of a game in an instant.
3. In their previous Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match, Senegal delivered an outstanding performance, ultimately defeating Sudan 3-1 to advance to the quarter-final, which has significantly boosted the team's morale.
4. Senegal have achieved 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches across all competitions, remaining unbeaten. The team's recent performance has been extremely hot.
5. Senegal have scored 18 goals and conceded only 2 in their last 5 matches. The team's recent performance in both attack and defense has been very balanced.
6. In the last three encounters between the two sides, Senegal have won all three games, holding a significant advantage.
7. The AH line is -0.75 for the away side, which is in favor of Senegal.

[Tips]:
Mali have remained unbeaten in seven consecutive matches across all competitions, maintaining a relatively stable overall form.

Senegal have remained unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, with four wins and one draw. The team have been performing extremely well recently.

Mali have advanced through the tournament with their ironclad defense and tenacious will, while Senegal have demonstrated formidable attacking prowess and champion pedigree. Senegal hold the edge in quality and are widely favored, yet Mali are more than capable of causing serious problems.

In the last three encounters between the two sides, Senegal have won all three games, holding a significant advantage.

The AH line is -0.75 for the away side, which is in favor of Senegal.

To sum up, Senegal are expected to defeat Mali in this match and smoothly advance to the next round.

[Recommended]:
Senegal (-0.5/1)