Madagascar vs Mali Prediction: The guests stand a better chance since the game will be played on neutral ground

Madagascar will face off against Mali at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday. Madagascar head here with a commanding performance in their last two games, scoring five and conceding once. They are well positioned to see off a devastated Malian team who recently lost against Ghana on their ground. 

FIFA Ranking: 109th

Last five games: LWLWW

The Barea will be determined to book a space in the forthcoming World Cup tournament, even though it’s highly unlikely. They began this campaign with a slim (1-0) defeat against a struggling Ghanaian team. Madagascar picked up their first three points of the tournament against Chad away from home, scoring three goals without a response from the hosts. More recently, they defeated an unbeaten Comoros (2-1) to assume the top spot. 

The home team have won three of their last five matches across all competitions. Madagascar's previous appearance in this competition earned them four points, finishing at the bottom of the log. 

FIFA World ranking: 44th

Last five games: WLWWL

The Eagles' two games unbeaten in this came to an end following their shocking (1-2) defeat against Ghana. After a decent start to the game, where Kamory Doumbia scored with the last kick of the match, Mali lost concentration as Ghana scored twice to overturn the lead. 

Mali have really given their best performance in all their games in this qualifying campaign; however, they have conceded after taking the lead against all their opponents in this competition. Mali have garnered four points from a possible nine and have scored five while conceding four in this group. 

Madagascar have improved massively in their last two group games, scoring five and conceding once. The Barea currently sit at the top of the log, and they’ll be determined to hold on to their spot. At the same time, the Eagles were stunned in front of their home fans as they watched Ghana come from a goal down to cart away the maximum points. 

This match will be played in South Africa and we think the guests stand a better chance here. However, the Eagles have conceded almost immediately after scoring in all their matches in this competition; so we expect both teams to get a goal apiece for 2.31.

We expect them to win and score more than once here for 2.01.

The hosts can’t go head to head with Mali, who are blessed with quality players in the middle of the park; bet on over 2.5 goals for 2.35.

Good luck!