Mali face Senegal in the AFCON quarter-finals, with both teams targeting a spot in the last four.
The Eagles are yet to secure a win in regulation time, while the Teranga Lions have steadily gone about their business as one of the tournament favourites.
Mali were taken to penalties in their round of 16 clash with Tunisia after battling to a 1-1 draw in normal time. Lassine Sinayoko’s injury-time effort earned them a share of the spoils in regulation time, and they went on to win the shootout.
It has not been a spectacular AFCON campaign for Mali, who seem to just be getting by in the competition. Tom Saintfiet's men are without a regulation-time victory in Morocco, with their four matches ending in draws.
Meanwhile, Senegal have steadily gone about their business in Morocco, having been considered one of the tournament favourites. Pape Bouna Thiaw's team are unbeaten in the competition, claiming three wins from four matches.
Senegal progressed to the quarter-finals after picking up a 3-1 victory over Sudan in the previous round. They fought back from a goal down, with Pape Gueye grabbing a brace while Ibrahim Mbaye also found the net.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Senegal
Senegal have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Mali is valued at 5/1 by William Hill, while a draw is set at odds of 5/2 by Ladbrokes.
Head to head: Senegal on top
Senegal have a solid record in this fixture, with four wins and three draws from seven previous matches against Mali. Both teams met in a friendly back in 2019, with the Teranga Lions earning a 2-1 victory.
Players to watch: Eyes on Jackson
Nicolas Jackson often leads the line for Senegal and has scored two goals in this competition. The striker will be the one to watch for the Teranga Lions (Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer – priced at 2/1 by Paddy Power).
Sinayoko is having a solid tournament and has scored all three of Mali’s goals so far. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on (Lassine Sinayoko anytime goalscorer – valued at 11/2 by bet365).
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups:
Woyo Coulibaly is suspended for Mali following a red card against Tunisia, while Gaoussou Diarra is ruled out with an ankle injury. Sinayoko should lead the line once again, while Abdoulaye Diaby is set to continue at the back.
Senegal are set to welcome back captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was suspended in the round of 16. They are unlikely to make wholesale changes, with Jackson and Sadio Mane set to continue in attack.
Mali: Traore, Diaby, Camara, Dante, Bissouma, Dieng, Sangare, Coulibaly, Doumbia, Sinayoko.
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs, Gueye, Diarra, Gueye, Sarr, Mane, Jackson.
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been goals in both halves in three of Senegal's last four matches (Goal in both halves – available at 11/10 by Betfred). All three fixtures have also produced over 2.5 goals – offered at 7/5 on Paddy Power.
Senegal have scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last four matches (Senegal over 1.5 goals – set at Evens on Paddy Power).
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