Tunisia will play Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in the second match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage on Saturday.
Tunisia, the 2004 champions, had a slow start to their campaign as they lost 1-0 to Namibia. They suffered an early blow in that match as striker Taha Yassine Khenissi was sent off in the 15th minute with a knee injury. Deon Kavendji scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute to earn Namibia’s first win at the AFCON finals.
Mali are making their ninth consecutive AFCON finals appearance and kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa. Captain Hamari Traore led from the front and opened the scoring in the 60th minute. Lassine Sinayoko entered the action and doubled his side’s lead in the 66th minute.
A win will secure Mali’s place in the knockout round. Tunisia also need a win in this match to keep their qualification hopes alive as they meet 1996 champions South Africa in their final group stage match, which could be a close game.
Tunisia vs Mali Head-to-Head and key numbers
- The two teams have met 14 times in all competitions so far. Tunisia have the upper hand in these meetings with a 7-5 lead in wins and just two games that ended in draws.
- 12 of the 14 meetings between the two teams have scored less than 2.5 goals.
- They last met in the 2022 CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the 2004 AFCON champions recording a 1-0 aggregate win.
- They have met three times in the AFCON group stage. Mali are unbeaten in these meetings with two wins and a draw.
Tunisia – Mali forecast
The Eagles of Carthage suffered their first defeat in five matches of the campaign, while also conceding for the first time in that period. Taha Yassine Khenissi will miss the rest of the AFCON after picking up a knee injury in the loss to Namibia, so coach Jalel Kadri will be waiting for experienced players like Youssef Msakni and Ellyes Skhiri to step up.
Interestingly, they have suffered six 1-0 defeats in their last eight games in the continental competition, including once against Mali in the previous edition, and may struggle here.
Les Eagles scored a comfortable 2-0 win over South Africa, who missed a penalty in the first half. They are now unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions with seven wins and will be looking to build on that form here. They are unbeaten in their three AFCON meetings with Tunisia, winning twice and outscoring them 4-1 in that time.
This is a crucial match for Tunisia as a defeat could mean their elimination from the tournament. A win for Mali will secure their place in the knockout stages, but even a draw will go a long way to securing a top two spot in the Group E table.
With that in mind and considering the current scoring form of the two teams, a low-scoring tie could result.
Prophecy: Tunisia 1-1 Mali
Tunisia vs Mali Betting tips
Tip 1: Result – Draw
Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Under 2.5 Goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half – Yes
Tip 4: Lassine Sinayoko to score or assist anytime – Yes