Tunisia – Mali : Preview & Prediction
The first leg was a disaster for Mali who found themselves down a man shortly before half-time after defender Moussa Sissoko was sent off… The same Sissoko had scored an own goal four minutes earlier. Despite this numerical superiority, Tunisia did not manage to make a break which could have been decisive. Tunisia, quarter-finalists of the CAN, had already won against Nigeria (1-0) and lost against Burkina Faso (0-1). Mali, for its part, has just suffered a second defeat in a row two months after its elimination in the 1/8th finals of the Africa Cup of Nations against Equatorial Guinea (0-0, 5 tab 6). The Malians have only won against Mauritania (2-0) in their last four games, also losing to Gambia (1-1) during the last major African competition. Under pressure, Mali could falter against the Eagles of Carthage who will not hesitate to muzzle their prey.
Tunisia have an advantage from the first leg win (1-0).
Tunisia has won 3 of their last 5 games.
Mali have lost their last 2 matches.
Mali have won just once in their last 4 head-to-head meetings.
Moussa Sissako was sent off in the first leg and will not feature in Mali’s defence in Rades.
Mali will have to play the game against a Tunisian side that can manage their lead. The Tunisians should manage to avoid a defeat in its stadium and thus validate their qualification.
Tunisia – Mali : Betting Tips
Tunisia – Win Odds: 2.25
