Mali vs Ivory Coast Prediction: The Eagles are our favorite pick in this evenly contested AFCON fixture

The Elephants will surge forward in their quest to conquer the continent when they lock horns against the Eagles of Mali at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday. Adding to their confidence is the promising display by Ivory Coast in the round of sixteen against the defending champions, Senegal. This factor has set the stage for an exciting encounter, with Ivory Coast expected to emerge triumphant. However, Mali has the potential to turn things around with a strong team effort in this encounter. With both teams determined to give their best, this match is sure to be a thrilling experience for all the fans.

FIFA World ranking: 51st

The Eagles continue their decent run of form with eleven games without defeat. The Eagles eliminated Burkina Faso to emerge as one of the favorites to lift the AFCON trophy. They kicked off the game with a goal in the third minute when Edmond Tapsoba put the ball in his own net. They maintained their momentum and got the second goal two minutes into the second half; however, they conceded a penalty as their opponent almost found their way back into the game. It was a deserved victory for the Eagles, who had more of the ball and fired more shots on target. 

The Eagles have been up and running since the appointment of Eric Chelle, with one defeat in the last sixteen games. The Eagles are a free-flowing team and have shared goals between themselves in recent games. 

Mali Likely Starting Lineup: Diarra; Traore, Niakate, Kouyate, Sacko; Bissouma, Dieng, Haidara; Doumbia, Koita, Sinayoko

Key Player: Sinayoko

FIFA Ranking: 49th

Les Elephant men pulled a surprise stunt in the competition, as they came from nothing to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Ivory Coast eliminated the defending champions as they came from a goal down to advance to the next phase. The contest began with Senegal drawing the first blood minutes into the game, however, Nicolas Pepe came on after the break to win a penalty which Frankie Kessie converted. The Elephants triumphed over their opponents on penalties. 

Jean Louis Gasset's men rose from slumber to put up a five-star performance against the potential favorite. However, they have a stern test ahead of their clash against a solid Malian side tomorrow. 

Ivory Coast Likely Starting Lineup: Y. Fofana; Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; S. Fofana, Kessie, Seri; Boga, Krasso, Bamba

Key Player: Frank Kessie

Mail have won once, while Ivory Coast have recorded four wins and two games ending in a tie over their previous seven meetings. Of all the teams in this tournament, Mali have impressed me the most. The Eagles have a balanced team with synergy among the players. They have been solid in their last eleven games, and I’m very much backing them to advance to the next round. On the opposing end, Ivory Coast were lucky to have advanced after Senegal missed several chances to bury the game. They’ve been seriously backed by their home fans, who are nothing short of brilliant in this tournament. The Elephants played well after the break against Senegal but were pretty timid at halftime. 

The Eagles always start well, however, it won’t come easy against a well motivated Ivory Coast side who have the fans to their advantage. Strange things have happened in this tournament, and we won’t be surprised if any of these teams advance to the next round. My money is on Mali, who can hurt any side and usually pass the ball well; bet on Mail to qualify for 2.27.

We expect both teams to get a goal apiece here for 2.29.

Mali will get off to a great start, and even though it might be pretty tricky, we think they’ll get a halftime victory here for 4.56.

Good luck!