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

Published at :January 22, 2024 at 3:41 PM

Modified at :January 22, 2024 at 3:41 PM

Brave Warriors are a win away from entering the next rounds for the first time in history

The Namibia national football team stunned everyone by beating Tunisia on matchday 1. On matchday 2, they were up against South Africa. And as Bafana Bafana had lost the battle with Mali, Brave Warriors were expected to get a point or even three. But in football, nothing is guaranteed. Namibia were thrashed 4-0 by South Africa.

The Mali national football team currently lead the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group E. A 2-0 win over Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana and later a 1-1 draw against the Carthage Eagles has helped put 4 points on the table. Now Les Aigles will be gearing up for their matchday 3 after an unbeaten performance so far. Even a draw will move them into the next rounds.

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 at 5:00 PM UK (10:30 PM IST)

Location: Stade de San Pédro

Form

Namibia (in all competitions): L-W-D-W-L

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

Players to Watch

Deon Hotto (Namibia)

Namibia were able to stun Jalal Qaderi’s Tunisia solely because of Deon Hotto. The winger couldn’t help his side last time out in the 4-0 defeat but will be looking to bounce back with his team. Number ‘7’ of Brave Warriors will be a critical player and will fight to put them in the best possible state to reach the next rounds.

Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)

With number 25 on his back, Lassine Sinayoko has been an indomitable force for his team. Sinayoko has scored in both AFCON group games. In the first game against South Africa, his strike helped Mali win 2-0. In the second game against Tunisia, his strike helped to put a point on the table.

Match Facts

Even a draw should be enough to make the next rounds for Mali
Namibia have suffered the biggest defeat so far in the 2023 AFCON tournament (South Africa 4-0 Namibia)
A win will make history for Brave Warriors as they have never qualified for the next rounds earlier

Injury & Team News

Namibia may have lost 4-0 last time out, but they are fully fit for matchday 3. No player is sidelined at the moment. Coach Collin Benjamin will be seeking a win and hopefully be able to call the 4-0 thrashing just a hiccup.

Éric Chelle’s men have performed confidently so far. With a win and draw, they are favourites to progress further. Their only obstacle are matchday 3 opponents Namibia. Chelle is likely to use the same lineup.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 6

Namibia wins – 1

Mali wins – 4

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineup

Namibia predicted lineup (4-1-4-1):

Kazapua (GK); Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub; Petrus; Limbondi, Shitembi, Tjiueza, Hotto; Shalulile

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

Diarra (GK); Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara; Doumbia; Sinayoko, Koita

Match Prediction for Namibia vs Mali

Last game, Namibia were humbled greatly. But still, they know what opportunity this game brings. A win and they enter the next rounds for the very first time. Even though Mali are a strong outfit, the world has seen what the Brave Warriors did to Tunisia on matchday 1. Expecting a triumph against the odds.

Prediction: Namibia 1-0 Mali

Telecast for Namibia vs Mali

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.