Mali vs Ivory Coast Prediction & Betting Tips (3 February)

Without really impressing, Mali continues on its merry way in this CAN. Still undefeated, the Malians started the competition perfectly. Facing South Africa during the first meeting, they quickly took off by winning 2-0. After this success, Hamari Traoré's teammates never left their first place, obtaining two draws, against Tunisia 1-1 then Namibia, with whom they shared the points during the last meeting 0- 0. In the round of 16, the Eagles of Africa defeated Burkina Faso 2-1. The Malians thus went on a 12th match without defeat in all competitions. If they beat the Ivory Coast, they will place themselves as one of the most credible favorites in a competition that they have never won in their history.

As for the Ivorians, we can talk about small miracle regarding their presence in the quarter-finals of CAN 2024. Despite a victory in the first match against Guinea Bissau 2-0, the host country first lost to Nigeria 1-0, before being literally humiliated by Equatorial Guinea 4-0 in front of their home crowd. With only 3 points, the host country was still drafted for the 8th, as the last qualifier of the best 3rds. Falling against the title challenger Senegal, the Elephants created the feat, overthrowing the Senegalese in the last minutes, finally seeking qualification on penalties. That being said, it's been 3 games that they haven't won in 90 minutes, only scoring a small goal at the end of them. Big concerns therefore before facing the solid and well-organized Malian team.

Hit in the head and replaced in the 1/8th, midfielder Haidiara (Leipzig) should be able to hold his place. The Mali squad is one of the groups best known to the general public, notably made up of numerous players who passed through Ligue 1, notably the right side Hamari Traoré (ex-Rennais), Kiki Kouyaté (Montpellier), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre), Bissouma (ex-Lille) and midfielder Mohamed Camara (AS Monaco). Auxerre striker Sinayoko showed all his qualities during these appearances by scoring three pawns. The talented young Doumbia (Brest) also stood out by delivering two assists. The strong man of the Eagles is none other than the powerful Yves Bissouma (Totthenam), who often dictates the tempo of the meetings. For this CAN, Mali had to cope without Ibrahima Koné (Almeria, ex Lorient) who remains injured with his club while Lensois Massadio Haïdara and striker El-Bilal Touré (ex-Reims, injured throughout the start of the season) were not invited to this CAN.

Côte d'Ivoire will present itself once again without the crack Wilfried Zaha (Galatasaray), without Cornet (West Ham, 6 goals in 31 sel) and the defenders Simon Deli (27 caps) and Eric Bailly (Villarreal, 49 caps), all excluded for this CAN. For their first match without Jean-Louis Gasset, sidelined because of the enormous disillusionment of the group stage, Sébastien Haller played his first minutes after being injured. Let's not forget to mention Serge Aurier (captain), Sangaré (Nottingham), Kessié (ex-Milan/FC Barcelona) or even the former Lensois, Seko Fofana (scorer during J1). Even if the group is of quality, it is especially defensively that this team is struggling (6 goals conceded in 4 matches including 4 during J3).