"Against Tunisia, we needed to show strong mentality as it was 10 against 11. We will need the same mentality against Senegal. We want to progress, and we feel we have nothing to lose. We are not the favourites, but with our mental and physical strength, we feel we can win."
"The eight teams who have qualified for the quarters are all the big footballing countries in Africa, but I think we are playing the best. The only team they've lost to over the last few years was Brazil. They even beat England. It's a stable team but also very strong, who score easily, who don't give up much and are very dangerous."
Mali reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by beating Tunisia on penalties after a 1-1 draw that featured Woyo Coulibaly's 26th-minute red card. Firas Chaouat looked to have won it in the 88th minute before Lassine Sinayoko's 96th-minute penalty forced extra time, with Mali ultimately prevailing 3-2 in the shootout. Mali have drawn four consecutive matches, but players cite mental and physical strength as reasons for confidence. Head coach Tom Saintfiet describes Senegal as the toughest test yet, noting their recent results and consistent scoring threat, while Opta gives Senegal higher trophy odds.
Read at Soccer News
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