David Flower
Dailysports's expert
One of the fifth-round Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will take place on Friday in Maputo, where Mozambique will host Mali. I suggest betting on the total number of goals in this match, with good chances for success.
- Also read: Eswatini vs Guinea-Bissau prediction, H2H & Probable Line-ups - November 15, 2024
Match Preview
Mozambique’s national team has never been known for standout performances, even in Africa, rarely reaching the level of the continent's best teams. In the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, they have never advanced past the group stage, reflecting their limited achievements on the international stage.
However, in July, Mozambique finished third in the COSAFA Cup, defeating Comoros Islands in a penalty shootout. In World Cup qualification, they currently occupy second place, tied on points with Algeria. Mozambique has only lost one match out of four, a 0-2 defeat to Algeria at home. The team remains undefeated in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with two wins and two draws. Currently, Mozambique leads their group, edging out Mali on goal difference.
On the other hand, Mali has firmly established itself as a solid mid-tier African football team. With a strong squad, they regularly compete in the Africa Cup of Nations, though their highest achievement remains second place in 1972. For the upcoming AFCON 2025, the "Eagles" will almost certainly qualify, given their confident performance in the qualifiers. After four rounds, Mali has earned eight points and sits in second place in their group, four points ahead of Guinea-Bissau. However, their World Cup qualifying campaign has been less successful, with Mali trailing behind in fourth place, four points adrift of Comoros Islands and Ghana.
Probable Line-ups
- Mozambique: Ernani; Nanani, Fernando, Mandava, Langa; Amade, Nene, Catamo, Domingues; Bauke, Ratifo
- Mali: Djigui Diarra; Diakité, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana; Sissoko, Diang, Amadou Kamara, Doucouré; Bissouma, Jenepo, El Bilal Touré
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- The teams have met twice before, with Mali winning 1-0 away in 2014, while the first-round encounter in this qualification campaign ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Both teams have scored in both previous encounters.
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet has failed to land in all of Mali’s last five matches.
Prediction
Bookmakers give Mali a noticeable advantage, with their victory priced at 2.03. However, I believe this game might end without a winner, and the best option is to bet on “Under 2.0 goals” at odds of 1.75.
