BETTING GUIDE: Mali Vs Tunisia, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 03.01.26. | 12:01
The head-to-head history between these two sides strongly points toward another tight affair. Three of the last six meetings have ended in draws, including a 1-1 result at the 2024 AFCON
The African Cup of Nations knockout stage continues on Saturday with a finely balanced Round of 16 encounter as Mali faces Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca. With kick-off scheduled at 10:00pm EAT, this clash between two traditional continental heavyweights promises a tight tactical battle as both sides look to book a place in the quarter-finals.
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Mali arrived at this stage after navigating a difficult Group A unbeaten, drawing all three of their matches to finish second.
While three draws may not appear convincing on paper, they once again showed why they are one of the hardest teams to beat in African football.
Across their last five matches in all competitions, Mali have scored six goals and conceded just three, highlighting their defensive organization and discipline.
They held tournament favorites Morocco to a 1-1 draw, frustrated Zambia, and shut out Comoros in their final group match.
Mali have now lost only twice in their last 18 games dating back to mid-2024, a run built on structure, patience, and resilience.
Although this fixture is played on neutral ground, Mali’s “away” performances mirror their overall trend. They are compact, rarely overcommit, and comfortable controlling games without dominating possession.
Tom Saintfiet is expected to keep faith with a familiar setup, especially as the squad is largely healthy. The only notable absentee is Amadou Haidara, who is suspended following his red card against Comoros.
Key figures include Yves Bissouma in midfield and striker Lassine Sinayoko, who has been Mali’s standout performer so far.
Sinayoko scored twice in the group stage and has five goals in his last five appearances for club and country, making him Mali’s primary attacking outlet.
Tunisia progressed from Group C in second place with a record of one win, one draw, and one defeat.
They opened with a solid 3-1 victory over Uganda but were then exposed defensively in a 3-2 loss to Nigeria before drawing 1-1 with Tanzania in a match they largely controlled but failed to kill off. Over their last five matches, the Eagles of Carthage have scored eleven goals and conceded seven, suggesting a more open and attacking approach compared to Mali.
Away from home or on neutral venues, Tunisia have been less convincing defensively, conceding in each of their three group games. However, they carry more attacking threat, with Elias Achouri emerging as their key forward after scoring twice in the group stage.
Hannibal Mejbri has also been influential, providing two assists and driving Tunisia’s transitions from midfield.
The positive news for Tunisia is that they come into this match with a full squad available, giving Sami Trabelsi flexibility in both shape and personnel.
The head-to-head history between these two sides strongly points toward another tight affair. Three of the last six meetings have ended in draws, including a 1-1 result at the 2024 AFCON and two low-scoring World Cup qualifiers.
None of the last five encounters produced more than two goals, underlining how evenly matched these teams tend to be.
Key Betting Pointers:
Mali has drawn four consecutive matches in all competitions.
The last two meetings between these teams finished in draws, including a 1-1 scoreline in January of 2024.
Mali and Tunisia rank closely in big chances created (6 each), expected goals, and xG conceded.
Tunisia has conceded in all three AFCON group matches so far.
This matchup pits Mali’s defensive solidity against Tunisia’s attacking intent, and the underlying numbers suggest neither side holds a clear edge.
With both teams well organized and historically difficult to separate, another cautious, low-margin contest looks likely.
Prediction: Draw
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