Match Preview: Tunisia vs. Mali AFCON – Prediction, Team news, Lineups – Football News, Previews, Predictions, Transfers

Tunisia will be aiming for a strong response after their disappointing loss in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations when they face off against Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Mali enters the game with confidence, having secured a routine victory over South Africa in their first Group E fixture.

Match Preview:

Expectations were high for Tunisia to dominate Namibia, but they were stunned by the Southern African nation.

Namibia created numerous goalscoring opportunities and ultimately secured their first-ever victory at the Cup of Nations with a late goal.

Tunisia must now rebound from this setback to avoid an early exit from the tournament. While finishing third could still see them through, a strong performance is essential.

Tunisia has a recent history of reaching the quarter-finals in the AFCON, and they aim to continue this streak. However, they face a tough challenge against a formidable Mali side.

Tunisia’s recent form in the Africa Cup of Nations has been disappointing, with a loss in their opening match.

In their overall competitions, they have had a mixed record with two wins, two draws, and two losses. On the other hand, Mali started their AFCON campaign with a win against South Africa. Their overall form has been impressive, with five wins and one draw in their last six matches.

Team News:

Tunisia’s Taha Yassine Khenissi sustained an injury and is unlikely to feature in the second match. Haythem Jouini is expected to replace him in the starting lineup.

For Mali, Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko, who scored goals in their victory over South Africa, are likely to retain their places in the team.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma, with an impressive performance in the previous game, is expected to start for Mali.

Possible Lineups:

Tunisia:

Said

Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Maaloul

Slimane, Skhiri, Laidouni

Achouri, Jouini, Msakni

Mali:

Diarra

Traore, Kouyate, Niakata, Sacko

Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara

Doumbia, Sinayoko, Koita

Prediction: Tunisia 1-1 Mali

Considering Mali’s impressive performance in their first match and Tunisia’s shaky start, a draw seems likely. Both teams may settle for a point in this encounter, as they could cancel each other out on Saturday.