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Boxing Mali vs Ivory Coast Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
It’s heating up as AFCON reaches the quarter-final stage and Nathan Joyes is on hand to provide his Mali vs Ivory Coast prediction, tips and best bets preview.
The hosts managed to knockout the holders in the round of 16, and with their tails up, they might just be the team to beat.
Mali vs Ivory Coast Prediction and Tips Preview
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Ivory Coast to Win
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: First Half Draw
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Lassine Sinayoko to Score Anytime
In this article:
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Team News
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Stats Preview
- How to watch Mali vs Ivory Coast
- Safer Gambling
Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Hosts to protect their nest from Eagles
Ivory Coast, AFCON, Saturday, February 3rd, 17:00 (UK)
Far from convincing in the group stage, especially after a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast bounced back and delivered a creditable performance and result vs Senegal.
Despite falling behind by a goal early on, the Elephants fought back. They showed great resilience, and their late equaliser from the spot was nothing short of what they deserved.
Tournaments are marathons and not sprints, and with their tails now up, Ivory Coast will be confident they can reach the final in front of their own fans. If they match the same energy in this fixture, you’d be confident they can land a result.
Although unbeaten, it’s safe to say Mali have had a much easier route to this stage of the tournament.
Edging past Burkina Faso in their round of 16 fixture will have pleased their supporters, but they had only progressed due to a narrow victory over Mauritania. Even their 1-1 draw with Tunisia can be taken with a pinch of salt due to their massively underwhelming campaign.
Looking at their last five head-to-head meetings, Mali have only come out on top once, while Ivory Coast have won two and drawn the others without conceding.
The Elephants are growing into the tournament and are a good-looking price to secure a semi-final spot.
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 1: Ivory Coast to Win
- Best Odds: 2.40
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: Cagey opening 45 minutes anticipated
Despite Ivory Coast’s home advantage, Mali have relished their surroundings, and they won’t go out without fighting. They’ve only conceded two goals to date, and their defence has been one of the best on display so far.
It’s also worth pointing out all of Mali’s group matches were drawn at half-time, and they were only ahead at the break vs Burkina Faso thanks to an own goal.
It has been a slightly different story for the Ivory Coast, but they were level at half-time vs Nigeria, and they almost got back on level terms vs Equatorial Guinea until VAR ruled out Ibrahim Sangare’s 45th-minute strike.
With so much at stake at this stage in the competition, we’re once again expecting Mali to sit back and try to frustrate Ivory Coast in the first half. Another draw at half-time looks a distinct possibility and is my favourite tip across this match.
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 2: First Half Draw
- Best Odds: 1.86
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Deadly striker might not be stopped
Although Ivory Coast put in a better display vs Senegal, they haven’t been without their faults. As a result, it’s difficult to dismiss Mali not having any joy on the night, who are yet to taste defeat.
The fact Mali has made it this far in the tournament has been down to their striker, Lassine Sinayoko, who has scored three goals and is hunting down the golden boot.
The Auxerre striker scored what turned out to be the winner in the round of 16 vs Burkina Faso, as well as against South Africa and Tunisia.
He didn’t manage to score against Namibia in the final group game, but he was substituted early in the second half. With qualification already secured, Mali wanted to rest him for the round of 16 fixture – which worked out well for them.
The 24-year-old has been their main threat, and if Mali are to get on the scoresheet, it’s highly likely it’ll be their striker.
- Mali vs Ivory Coast Tip 3: Lassine Sinayoko to Score Anytime
- Best Odds: 4.33
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 6/10
Mali vs Ivory Coast Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, January 31st, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Mali vs Ivory Coast Team News Preview: Elephants may look to rotate
Having gone to extra-time and penalties to get over the line and into the semi-finals, Ivory Coast may look to change their starting XI to keep it fresh.
Although they have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to worry about, Franck Kessie staked his claim to start after scoring his penalty in normal time and in the shoot-out.
Sebastien Haller also made his AFCON debut vs Senegal, and the Dortmund striker will be desperate to prove himself on the international stage.
As mentioned above, Mali will be hoping Lassine Sinayoko can continue his superb form in front of goal. His young strike partner, Kamory Doumbia, has yet to score, and the 20-year-old may need to step up and contribute if Mali are to progress.
Mali vs Ivory Coast Stats Preview: Unbeaten Mali
- Ivory Coast have won two of the last five head-to-head meetings, only losing once back in 2016.
- The Elephants made sure there would be a new champion after knocking out Senegal 5-4 on penalties.
- Mali remain unbeaten after knocking out Burkina Faso 2-1 in the round of 16.
- These two nations met in the 2019 AFCON round of 16, where Ivory Coast came out on top 1-0 thanks to Wilfried Zaha’s goal.
How To Watch
- Mali vs Ivory Coast, AFCON.
- Date and Time: Saturday, February 3rd, 17:00 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Sky Sports Main Event
SAFER GAMBLING
At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.
