AFCON 2023: Tunisia vs Mali: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Novojyoti has been part of Khel Now since 2024 and covers world football.

Published at :January 18, 2024 at 7:19 PM

Modified at :January 18, 2024 at 7:19 PM

Mali will aim to win this match to secure their place in the round of 16 after winning their opening match

Tunisia will be disappointed not to start the tournament on a positive note as they lost to Namibia in the opening match. Despite dominating the match throughout, the team could not provide the breakthrough. They missed two huge chances, which could have changed the outcome of the match. For Jalel Kadri to get his team to the next round, his team will have to beat Mali.

With their strong performances, Mali have emerged as one of the contenders for the trophy. South Africa were outclassed by them, positioning them as one of the favourites to advance. On the opening weekend, Traore and Sinayoko secured a comprehensive victory. Chelle knows that a win over Tunisia will put them in the round of 16.

Kick-Off:

Sun, 21 January at 1:30 AM IST

Location- Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium

Form:

Tunisia (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-L

Mali (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-W

Player to Watch

Youssef Msakni (Tunisia)

As a versatile player, Youssef Msakni adds a touch of flair and creativity to Tunisia’s team. He has scored three goals in the last four matches and has slowly become an essential cog for their team. He attempted a game-high five shots against Namibia and also created a big chance but couldn’t prevent his side from a defeat. He will be fired up to put his side in a strong position in this match.

Hamari Traore (Mali)

Despite having a host of big names, the Real Sociedad right-back has established himself as one of the important players in the team. During the opening weekend, he led his side with a man-of-the-match performance against South Africa, scoring one goal and preventing the opposition from scoring.

Match Facts

Tunisia lost to Namibia in the last match by 1-0
Mali secured an impressive 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match
Mali are undefeated in the last six matches

Injury and team news for Tunisia vs Mali

After Taha Yassine Khenissi was withdrawn due to injury in the early exchanges of the match, Tunisia have one injury concern in their squad. He is doubtful for the match and faces a race against time to be fully fit.

The team is sweating over the fitness of Moussa Diarra and Yves Bissouma, who have been suffering from an unknown illness. Eric Chelle may field the same team that defeated South Africa last time out.

Head to Head (Last 7 matches)

Tunisia- 3

Mali- 2

Draw-2

Predicted Lineup

Tunisia Predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Said; Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Maaloul; Slimane, Skhiri, Romdhane; Achouri, Jouini, Msakni

Mali Predicted lineup (4-3-1-2):

Diarra; Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Dieng, Coulibaly, Haidara; Doumbia; Koita, Sinayoko

Match Prediction for Tunisia vs Mali

In their opening weekend match, Mali dismantled South Africa and have gone on to win six matches in a row, giving themselves a major boost in confidence. Despite being favourites, they know they will get a place in the next round if they win over Tunisia. Tunisia knows defeat may hinder their chances of making it to the next stage, which means it will be another tough day at work.

Prediction: Tunisia 1-2 Mali

Telecast for Tunisia vs Mali

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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Novojyoti Bhattacharjee

An avid sports enthusiast, Novojyoti is a professional football player and a sports writer who has a genuine love for the game. He started content writing back in 2022 and was lucky to be part of Sporticos, World Sports Guru, where he covered World Football and the 2024 Paris Olympics.