Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has described Senegal as the strongest team remaining in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, as his side prepare for a clash.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Saintfiet praised the former champions for their consistency and firepower, but insisted Mali still believe they can rise to the occasion.

“Tomorrow, we will play against the strongest team in the quarter-finals,” he said. “Last year, Senegal only lost to Brazil and beat England. They are consistent and have a great ability to score goals.”

The Belgian coach acknowledged that Senegal’s recent form on the global stage underlines the size of the challenge facing his team, with the Teranga Lions widely tipped as favourites to retain their continental crown.

Despite the odds, Saintfiet struck a note of optimism.

“Tomorrow will be a big battle,” he added. “Senegal are the favourites, but we have a chance.”

Mali are the only team left in the competition yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and the quarter-final represents another opportunity to move closer to a long-awaited first title.

As anticipation builds, the match is shaping up as a classic AFCON encounter, experience and pedigree against hunger and belief with a place in the semi-finals at stake.