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

Ivory Coast have picked up pace at the right moment in the tournament 

AFCON had started disappointingly for Ivory Coast and it looked like they would be humiliated at home, but things have changed for them dramatically since then. After a poor run, the players have held their heads and now they are poised to qualify for the semis. Their win against Senegal has raised expectations and they stand a great chance of winning the trophy.

Mali have emerged as one of the most structured units at this AFCON. With their play, they have shown a lot of patience and have played to their strengths. They finished at the top of their group and defeated Burkina Faso in their last match. For this match, their attack needs to step up and score goals.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 3 February 2024 at 10:30 PM IST

Location: Stade de la Paix, Cote d’Ivoire

Form:

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

Ivory Coast (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-D

Player to Watch

Hamari Traore (Mali)

Hamari Traore has been Mali’s main man in defence. He has kept things under control on the right side of defence and will look to continue his great form. Traore was rock solid in the game against South Africa and similar leadership will be required in this game as well. 

Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) 

Ivory Coast’s midfielder Frank Kessie has been inspiring throughout this campaign. He has led the team from the front and played a major role in their resurgence. He controls play and drives forward. In this campaign, Mali’s defences have been structured, and Kessie’s job will be to defuse them to allow attackers to move forward.

Match Facts

• Ivory Coast have conceded six goals in the last 3 games
• Mali haven’t lost in the last 9 games 
• Mali have lost the last four matches against Ivory Coast

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Injury and Team News

Mali are expected to be without their star midfielder Amadou Haidara who suffered a head injury in the last game. His absence can leave a big void in Mali’s midfield. Ivory Coast suffered a big boost in the last game with the return of Haller. He is expected to start this game.

Head to Head (Last 6 games)

Mali- 1

Ivory Coast- 3

Draw- 2

Predicted lineup

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

Diarra; Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Dieng, Bissouma, Traore; Doumbia; Sinayoko, Koita

Ivory Coast Predicted lineup (4-4-1-1):

Y. Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; S. Fofana, Sangare, Kessie; Kouame, Haller, Boga

Match Prediction for Mali vs Ivory Coast

There has been a lot of impressive play from Mali this season, but Ivory Coast will have their hands full getting past them. Ivory Coast are at home and have finally found their groove. Their defence will be tested. In order for Mali to win against Ivory Coast, they will have to play at their best.

Prediction: Mali 1-2 Ivory Coast

Telecast for Mali vs Ivory Coast 

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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