MALI – EGYPT PREDICTION (17.01.2017)

Mali and Egypt last countries in the Africa Cup action. Egypt is the favorite for the three points, but Mali is not without quality is a surprise from. We take teams under the microscope.

Mali: Permanent participant in AC

West Africa Mali is the latest editions of the Africa Cup always present. The best performance was in 2012 and 2013, when the team twice seized the third place. This happened with probably the most famous footballer in history according Malian, Seydou Keita, in the squad. He is now retired, but the selection still has enough quality to make a shot at the next round.

Two years ago Les Aigles entered the quarterfinals in a very sour manner wrong. After three group matches they had as many points as Guinea. Make the goal difference and mutual outcome could not distinguish, so there had to be drawn who went to the last eight. Mali drew the short straw and had to leave the tournament.

The qualifying did absolutely no problems for the Malians. First place was won easily and scored frequently. The World Cup qualifiers this autumn were less successful. When Ivory Coast was lost there (3-1) and against Gabon Les Aigles were not more than 0-0.

Egypt: Record winner as outsider

Egypt has a long history of success at the African Nations Cup. The North African country knew the tournament to write his name repeatedly. Between 2006 and 2010, Egypt won the tournament even three times in a row. After these successes, so they attacked the country back somewhat, but this year is back in action. The selection has with Arsenal midfielder Elneny and AS Roma striker Salah two players top class, by African standards. Otherwise, the selection consists of players from their own league; especially Al Ahly and Zamalek are well represented.

In qualifying Egypt did very well by holding the stronger Honourable Nigeria in the final tournament. Also in World Cup qualifying, everything went as desired for the team of Argentine coach Cúper, who seems to have things well organized. Egypt is not among the favorites for the final victory, but neglect as the bigger teams, it is possible that the team can get back into the tournament.