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AFCON 2024

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