- Here is Mali vs Tunisia prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks second match of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 10:00 PM EAT / 8:00 PM local time.
Mali against Tunisia takes center stage tonight at the Stade Mohammed V as the Eagles and the Carthage Eagles face off in the second Round of 16 match at the AFCON 2025.
Mali arrive in the knockout stage following a peculiar group-stage campaign.
Despite failing to win a single match, recording three consecutive draws against Zambia, Morocco, and Comoros Tom Saintfiet’s men finished second in Group A.
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Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points.
Their journey has been a rollercoaster, featuring a 3-1 win over Uganda, a frustrating loss 3-2 loss to Nigeria, and a 1-1 draw with Tanzania.
What time does Mali vs Tunisia kick off?
These two teams will square at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, 3 January, with kick-off set for 10pm EAT/ 8pm Local time.
Mali vs Tunisia team news
The Eagles face a significant blow as midfielder Amadou Haidara is suspended following a late red card in the final group match. However, the return of Sikou Niakate to training provides a boost to the backline.
For Tunisia,there are concerns surrounding the fitness of star winger Elias Achouri, who is reportedly a doubt after picking up a knock.
Ahead of the match Mali Coach Tom Saintfiet has focused on his team’s defensive strength while acknowledging the need to be more efficient in front of goal after drawing all three group matches.
“We are a strong team; we conceded just one goal in six qualifiers and two in World Cup qualifying. We have been very solid defensively, and while Tunisia won’t be easy, we are ready for the task.
This match is crucial: win and we continue our journey; lose and we’re out. We are determined to give everything to keep our adventure alive.
On his part Tunisia Coach Sami Trabelsi says they will capitalize on available chances.
“Mali is a big team with high technical and physical quality. The match will be decided by small details and mistakes. There won’t be many chances, so the key is to take advantage of the ones we get.”
The Eagles vs Carthage Eagles Predicted Lineups:
Mali: Djigui Diarra,Fodé Doucouré,Abdoulaye Diaby,Ousmane Camara,Nathan Gassama,Mamadou Sangaré,Yves Bissouma,Mohamed Camara,Kamory Doumbia,Nene Dorgeles,Lassine Sinayoko.
Tunisia: Aymen Dahmen, Yan Valery, Dylan Bronn, Montassar Talbi, Ali Abdi, Ellyes Skhiri, Hannibal Mejbri, Ismaël Gharbi, Sebastian Tounekti, Hazem Mastouri, Elias Achouri.
Mali vs Tunisia head to head record
The most famous match in their history remains the 1994 AFCON opening game, where Mali stunned the hosts, Tunisia, with a 2-0 victory in Tunis. That result led to Tunisia’s early exit.
Historically, Tunisia holds a slight advantage in overall meetings with seven wins over Mali’s five, but they have never beaten Mali in an AFCON tournament drawing twice and losing twice.
In all four of their previous AFCON meetings, Mali has scored first.
Recent matches between these two have been defensive.
Their most recent two meetings ended in draws (1-1 in AFCON 2023 and 0-0 in World Cup Qualifiers) with their last five matches not seeing more than two goals even once.
Mali vs Tunisia prediction
Mali are winless in their last four matches, their longest run since going six games without a win between 2015 and 2017 (D5 L1).
Meanwhile, Tunisia competing in the Round of 16 for a third time, have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven AFCON matches.
This match really comes with heavy contrasting form, and each side will be coming in to win. Despite Tunisia coming in as the heavyweights to win the match, you cannot rule out Mali, who also are a strong side.
This match is expected to be thrilling, and do not be shocked if it goes to extra time.
The winner of this clash will advance to face either Senegal or Sudan in the quarter-finals who play in the preceding round of sixteen match at 1900 Hrs East African Time.