Sports Mole provides a detailed preview of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations clash between Mali and Ivory Coast, including predictions, team news, and possible lineups.
Match Preview
Mali is set to face the Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Ivory Coast, at Stade de la Paix on Saturday, with high hopes of progressing from the quarterfinals. Mali advanced past Burkina Faso in the round of 16, while Ivory Coast triumphed over the defending champions, Senegal.
Mali’s Journey and Expectations
Mali, having never lost a quarter-final tie in previous AFCON editions, aims to maintain this record. This is their first quarter-final appearance since the tournament expanded beyond 16 teams. Mali’s recent form includes a mix of wins and draws, with notable performances against South Africa and Burkina Faso.
Ivory Coast’s Path and Hopes
Ivory Coast, buoyed by their victory over Senegal, which included a penalty shootout, aims to leverage their home advantage and impressive record against Mali. They have historically dominated this West African rivalry, never losing to Mali in AFCON competitions.
Team News
- Mali: Lassine Sinayoko has been a key player, scoring three of Mali’s four goals in the finals. There are doubts over Amadou Haidara’s participation due to injury, and Yves Bissouma’s involvement is uncertain.
- Ivory Coast: The team might start with Sebastien Haller and Simon Adingra in the upcoming match. Ibrahim Sangare and Odilon Kossounou’s availability is uncertain due to injuries.
Possible Lineups
- Mali: Diarra; H. Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Coulibaly, Bissouma, Camara; Doumbia; A. Traore, Sinayoko
- Ivory Coast: Fofana; Aurier, Kossounou, Ndicka, Konan; Seri, Kessie; Pepe, Fofana, Adingra; Haller
Prediction
The prediction for this match is a 1-2 victory for Ivory Coast. The host nation is expected to leverage their home support and strong record against Mali to secure a spot in the last four.