The match between Mali and Senegal witnessed an exciting moment, as Lassine Sinaikou, the Malian player, fell inside the Senegal penalty area after being fouled by Khalidou Koulibaly.
The Malian players tried to pressure the referee to award a penalty kick, but he ignored the protests and ordered play to continue, sparking a huge controversy on the field.
Formation of the Mali national team
Belgian coach Tom Saintivet revealed the Mali national team’s lineup that will face Senegal, as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Diarra
- Defensive line: Traoré – Diaby – Kamara – Gassama
- Midfield: Yves Bissouma – Aliou Dieng – Koulibaly
- Offensive line: Sangari – Haidara – Senayuku
Al-Ahly club midfielder Aliou Dieng leads the back line and midfield, in an attempt to enhance control over the midfield.
Formation of the Senegal national team
On the other hand, the formation of the Senegal national team was as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
- Defensive line: Diatta – Kalidou Koulibaly – Nyakati – Diouf
- Midfield: Idrissa Gana Gueye – Pape Matar Gueye – Habib Diarra
- Offensive line: Sadio Mane – Elimane Ndiaye – Habib Diallo
The Senegal national team qualified for this round after defeating Sudan 3-1, while the Mali national team advanced after defeating Tunisia on penalties, which makes a strong confrontation between two teams seeking to advance to the semi-finals.
