Mali vs Ivory Coast Preview and Prediction
Mali vs Ivory Coast Match Preview
Tournament – AFCON Quarter-final
Date – Saturday, February 3
Kick-off Time – 10:30 am IST
Venue – Peace of Bouake Stadium
The AFCON 2024 has seen some big upsets and results due to which we have eight new teams in the quarter-finals from the previous edition. Favorites like Senegal and Egypt have been eliminated and the remaining eight teams will battle it out for the biggest prize in African football.
One of the quarter-finals will see Mali National Football Team take on Ivory Coast National Football Team.
Mali topped their group after beating South Africa and drawing against Namibia and Tunisia. They then beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the Round of 16 to reach the quarter-final stage.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, finished third in their group and narrowly made it to the Round of 16. They beat Guinea-Bissau but lost against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. They then beat tournament holders Senegal on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time.
Also Read: AFCON Fixtures- Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinal Schedule
Team Injury News
Mali were without midfielder Yves Bissouma in the last game due to a tightness in his hamstring. He could return in the quarter-final clash.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast are without Sebastien Haller due to his ankle injury.
Predicted Lineups
Mali:
Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra
Defenders: Moussa Diarra, Sikou Niakate, Kiki Kouyate, Hamari Traore
Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Aliou Dieng, Nene Dorgeles, Fousseni Diabate
Attackers: Lassine Sinayoko, Youssouf Niakate
Ivory Coast:
Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana
Defenders: Konan, Evan N’Dicka, Willy Boly, Wilfried Singo
Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare
Attackers: Christian Kouame, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Oumar Diakite
Head-to-Head
Ivory Coast national football team hold the advantage in the head-to-head, having won thrice in their six encounters so are. Mali national football team have won once while two games have ended in a draw.
Last five results:
Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast – AFCON – July 8, 2019
Mali 0-0 Ivory Coast – World Cup Qualification – October 7, 2017
Ivory Coast 3-1 Mali – World Cup Qualification – October 8, 2016
Mali 1-0 Ivory Coast – AFCON – February 4, 2016
Ivory Coast 1-1 Mali – AFCON – January 24, 2015
Also Read: Nigeria vs Angola Preview and Prediction
Prediction
Mali have done brilliantly during this edition of AFCON and are unbeaten in their four games so far. They have put in good performances and will look to continue their excellent form.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, were arguably lucky to make it past the group stages, having just one win and two defeats. However, they beat powerhouses Senegal in the Round of 16, which will give them a big boost.
It will likely be a narrow match but being the in-form team, Mali could get past Ivory Coast.
Predicted Score: Mali 2-1 (a.e.t) Ivory Coast
Odds (subject to change)
Mali win – 3.81
Ivory Coast win – 2.37
Draw – 3.10
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Mali vs Ivory Coast Where to Watch
India – Fancode app & site
UK – Sky Sports
US – BeIN Sports
Mali- CAF TV
Ivory Coast – BBC Three and on BBC iPlayer