Mali vs Tunisia prediction: AFRICA: Africa Cup of Nations – Play Offs betting tips on match 2026-01-02 19:00.
[p]A still winless Mali will meet 2004 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Tunisia in what promises to be a tight and tense round of 16 clash in Casablanca. [/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Despite not winning in the group stage (D3), Mali found themselves second in their group to qualify for what is a fourth straight AFCON knockout appearance. Priced up as outsiders to equal their 2023 AFCON quarter final appearance, Mali will at least arrive in Casablanca with confidence having lost just one of their last eight games at the tournament (W2, D5). That run certainly comes under threat here, not only because of the calibre of their opponents, but the location of this game, as Tom Saintfiet’s men have won just one of their last eight games played on foreign soil (D5, L2). [/p]
[p]A draw against Tanzania on matchday three was enough to see Tunisia over the line in the group stage despite only winning their opening game (W1, D1, L1), thus securing a first round of 16 appearance since 2021. The Carthage Eagles have progressed from both of their prior appearances in this stage of the competition, overcoming Ghana on penalties in 2019 before seeing off Nigeria 1-0 in 2021. More progress is certainly not a given despite holding favouritism, as since that Nigeria game, Tunisia have won just one of their following seven games at AFCON finals (D3, L3). [/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Tunisia have edged the last six H2Hs (W2, D3, L1), none of which featured over 2.5 goals. Mali manager Tom Saintfiet has faced Tunisia on three prior occasions with Togo and The Gambia, none of which saw over one goal scored (W1, D1, L1). [/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Mali’s group games saw three penalties awarded.[/p]
[p]Mali haven’t scored after the 75th minute in any of their last ten AFCON encounters.[/p]
[p]Eight of Tunisia’s last ten internationals saw both teams score. [/p]
[p]Each of Tunisia’s games at this tournament saw goals in both halves. [/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]A goal from Mali’s Dorgeles Nene could be a positive omen given his nation have won by a 2+ goal margin on six of his seven scoring appearances for his country. Tunisia full-back Ali Abdi made two goal contributions across his nation’s three group games (G1, A1) and is eyeing up an international goal in a fourth successive month after netting in October, November and December 2025. [/p]
[p]Amadou Haidara faces a suspension for Mali after his red card in the previous round, while Tunisia may be without the injured Elias Achouri for this encounter. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]There isn’t too much to separate these sides, and backing Mali to qualify looks attractively priced on that basis. [/p]
[p][i]Author: Matthew Billon[/i][/p]