Mali - Ivory Coast predictions and free betting tips [03/02/2024]

Today, in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Mali and Ivory Coast teams will rise to the occasion.

Mali national team

Mali's team advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, securing a somewhat shaky 2:1 victory over Burkina Faso. In the third minute of the match, Burkina Faso's defender from Bayer, Tapsoba, inadvertently sent the ball into his own net - thereby unintentionally aiding Mali in opening the score. The second goal was scored by Sinaïoko, one of the key players on the Malian team, enhancing Mali's advantage. However, after Burkina Faso advanced by a penalty in the 57th minute, the Malians managed to preserve their lead until the match's end.

During the group stage of the tournament, Mali emerged as a strong team, securing first place in their group without defeats and amassing 5 points. Against Namibia, who was the group's underdog, the Malians drew 0:0, failing to break through the opposing defence.

In their first match of the tournament against South Africa, Mali clinched a confident 2:0 victory. The win was achieved thanks to quick goals by the Traoré-Sinaïoko duo in the second half despite equal chances and the opponent's missed penalty. In the next game against Tunisia, Mali had a 1:1 draw, with both teams unable to deliver a spectacular game after an exchange of goals.

The Malian squad is marked by the presence of outstanding players such as Boubacar Traoré and Bissouma from Tottenham, as well as talents from the Red Bull Leipzig academy - Haidara, Koita, and Nene. Real Sociedad's defender Hamari Traoré scored the winning goal in the tournament's inaugural match and assisted the winning goal in the 1/8 finals.

Mali's recent results attest to the team's strength and unity: a 13-match undefeated streak, inclusive of victories in friendly matches and the World Cup qualifiers, confirms their high standard of play and readiness for challenges on the international stage.

Ivory Coast national team

As hosts, the Ivory Coast team sensationally expelled the reigning African Cup of Nations champions - Senegal, in a thrilling penalty shootout. Despite conceding the first goal in just the fourth minute of the match, the Ivorians managed to equalise due to a successfully executed penalty by Kessié. In the penalty shootout, the "Elephants" were able to implement all attempts, thanks to accurate shots from their star players: Pepe, Kuame, Aller and Aurier.

The tournament for the Ivory Coast team started with mixed feelings, especially after a dismal performance in the last group stage match when the team suffered a humiliating 0:4 defeat to Equatorial Guinea. This defeat underscored weaknesses in defence and offence, despite the advantage in ball possession and a large number of shots on goal.

The start of the tournament for the hosts was more successful, with a confident 2:0 win over Guinea-Bissau, where the team showcased strong gameplay and control of the ball. However, a subsequent defeat to Nigeria showed that even with dominant ball possession, the "Elephants" lacked efficiency in their offensive execution.

The Ivory Coast squad includes experienced players, especially in the midfield: Kessié, the top-form leader Fofana, the experienced Seri, and promising Sangaré all play key roles in creating opportunities and scoring goals. However, a lack of consistency and efficiency in attack raises certain questions about the team's readiness for playoff challenges.

Head-to-Head

In the last friendly match held on 12 September 2023, Ivory Coast and Mali drew 0:0. In the 1/8 finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on 8 July 2019, Ivory Coast defeated Mali with a score of 1:0. The teams met twice in the World Cup qualifiers in Russia: on 6 October 2017 and 8 October 2016, both games ending in a 0:0 draw. In the semi-finals of the Africa Nations Championship on 4 February 2016, Mali defeated Ivory Coast with a score of 1:0.

Match prediction Mali - Ivory Coast

The "Elephants" have been fortunate throughout the Africa Cup of Nations, and the Malians have the potential to halt the renowned, but somewhat unfamiliar Ivory Coast lineup. The Traoré-Sinaïoko duo is having an incredible tournament and scores almost every match. Mali has remained unbeaten in all tournaments for 13 matches with 9 victories. Ivory Coast is severely limping in attack, defence and midfield with rather slow former top league players.