Mali vs Tunisia Prediction & Betting Tips (3 January)

Quarter-finalist of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Mali hopes to do as well this year. The group stage did not dazzle observers but the Eagles provided the essentials by taking 2nd place in group A. They were first held to a draw by Zambia 1-1 before creating a small surprise by holding off the host country, Morocco, during the 2nd day 1-1. Last Monday, Yves Bissouma's gang confirmed their difficulties with a sad draw against the Comoros 0-0. This was enough to reach the round of 16 but Mali will have to raise their level this Saturday evening. Note that just before the start of this CAN, the selection missed qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Winner of this African Cup of Nations in 2004 under the orders of Roger Lemerre, Tunisia, on the other hand, disappointed a lot during the previous edition by being knocked out in the group stage.

The Eagles of Carthage therefore had revenge to take this year. They finished in 2nd place in Group C thanks, mainly, to a victory against Uganda for their entry into the competition 3-1. What followed was less glorious. Beaten by Nigeria 2-3, Tunisia then came out to the whistles of the public against Tanzania last Tuesday 0-0. Despite the criticism, the objective has been met and a new competition begins this Saturday. Dominant in its group with 9 wins and 1 draw, Tunisia easily booked its ticket for the 2026 World Cup. 

For this meeting, Mali is deprived of midfielder recently transferred to Lens Amadou Haidara, who received a disputed red card against the Comoros. It is therefore suspended this Friday. On the other hand, midfielder Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly), starter against Zambia and Morocco, is back from suspension. Hampered by injuries at the start of the competition, defenders Hamari Traoré (Paris FC) and Sikou Niakaté (Braga) have not yet played but are available for this round of 16. This is also the case for Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko, who has scored 2 goals since the start of this CAN. He got the better of El Bilal Touré (Besiktas) to start in front. Winger Dorgeles Nene (Fenerbahce) performs well while Brest player Kamory Doumbia is further behind.

In the midfield, take place the executives Yves Bissouma (Tottenham) and Mamadou Sangaré (Lens). Tunisia presents itself with its entire squad this Saturday. For this CAN, we still note the forced or chosen absences of defenders Haddadi (36 sel), Ben Hamida (10 sel) and Jelassi (7 sel), midfielders Laïdouni (59 sel), Ben Larbi (16 sel) and Ben Slimane (38 sel) or even attackers Layouni (16 sel), Jebali (17 sel) and Ltaief (21 sel). Author of a double against Uganda, winger Achouri (Copenhagen) constitutes the major offensive asset of the Carthage Eagles. He should support striker Mastouri (Makhachkala), who has not yet scored in this CAN. Playmaker Mejbri (Burnley) plays a leading role in this selection which includes residents or former residents of Ligue 1 Valery (Sheffield Wednesday), Bronn (Servette Genève), Talbi (Lorient), Abdi (Nice), Shkiri (Frankfurt) and Gharbi (Augsburg). 

• Summary: Mali is going head to head with Tunisia starting on 3 Jan 2026 at 19:00 UTC at Stade Mohammed V stadium, Casablanca city, Morocco. The match is a part of the Africa Cup of Nations, Knockout stage .
• Mali Feedinco Rating: 6.79
• Tunisia Feedinco Rating: 6.72