Namibia vs Mali prediction: AFRICA: Africa Cup of Nations betting tips on match 2024-01-23 17:00.
From the highs of their inaugural victory over African giants Tunisia, Namibia came crashing back down to earth with a humiliating 4-0 loss to neighbours South Africa last time out which has left their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign hanging in the balance. Crucially, Mali’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia saw Namibia begin the third round of group stage play as one of the four best third-placed sides of the tournament.
Namibia head coach Collin Benjamin has some difficult decisions to make after sticking with an unchanged side in the 4-0 humbling by the South Africans, but a shake-up might be needed if his side are to get beyond the group stage for the first time at their fourth attempt. The Brave Warriors should be encouraged by having avoided consecutive losses across their last 18 international games, but do face a Mali side who defeated them twice in qualification for the previous AFCON (2-1 and 1-0).
Mali are already guaranteed a top-three finish after the aforementioned draw with Tunisia and consequently are one step away from reaching the knockout stages of a third consecutive AFCON. Built around an outstanding defence that last conceded more than two goals in October 2022 (excluding the African Nations Championship), Éric Chelle’s men are now unbeaten in ten internationals.
Extending that to 11 would be enough to advance, whilst it’s possible due to their four points already earned that even a loss may not deny them a Round of 16 position. Mali haven’t conceded the opening goal of the match in any of those ten prior games without defeat, signalling that striking first could be key to securing their progression.
Players to watch: Namibia’s Deon Hotto is somewhat of a good luck charm, enjoying victory in all but one of the last eight club or international matches in which he recorded a goal or assist (G4, A4). Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko is in sparkling form, registering a direct goal contribution in each of his last six games for club or country (G4, A2).
Hot streak: Mali retained a first-half clean sheet in all but one of their last ten victories (excluding African Nations Championship).