Mali vs Tunisia Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
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by Stephen Abiola in AFCON Picks
The African Cup of Nations is gathering steam with teams now ready to battle it out in the knockout phase. On Saturday evening, Mali and Tunisia will go head-to-head in the Round of 16 at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Both teams will arrive at this contest with plenty of momentum and a lot to prove. The Malians are coming off a nervy Group A finish, where they came second behind Morocco. They will want to kick into gear in the knockout phase and make a statement about their intentions. However, the Tunisians are also coming off a rough Group C, where they finished behind Nigeria. Like Mali, they looked unconvincing in the group phase, especially in their final group game, where they drew 1-1 with minnows Tanzania. This matchup definitely doesn’t feel like a routine contest, with both teams eager to impress on the big stage.
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Mali vs Tunisia Form
Mali and Tunisia Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 22, 2025 - AFCON
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 19, 2024 - AFCON
Oct 11, 2024 - AFCON
Sep 6, 2024 - AFCON
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 29, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 26, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - International Friendlies
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 7, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 4, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 1, 2025 - Arab Cup
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 1, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 14, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 12, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 13, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 7, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 4, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Mali against Tunisia : Head to Head (H2H)
20 %
60 %
20 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Jan 20, 2024 - AFCON
Mar 29, 2022 - World Cup
Mar 25, 2022 - World Cup
Jan 12, 2022 - AFCON
Jun 28, 2019 - AFCON
Mali - Tunisia: Form Analysis
A lot was expected from Mali’s young squad at this tournament. They boast one of the best attacking talents, led by the 22-year-old Kamory Doumbia. The youngster made his debut in March 2023 and has already bagged 15 goals for the national side. This impeccable record makes him Mali’s leading active goal scorer. However, he has struggled to impose himself on opposing defenders and will be keen to prove a point against Tunisia. The midfield, which is led by Tottenham’s Bissouma, is undoubtedly their main strength, as already witnessed in the group games. Midfielder Amadou Hiadara will miss this match after getting sent off against Comoros.
Under their head coach, Sami Trabesi, Tunisia plays a 4-3-3 formation which prioritizes efficient transitions and defensive discipline. Experienced names like Ellyes Skhiri and Yassine Merriah anchor their midfield. While their defense has struggled, their attackers are flourishing, with Elias Achouri already having two goals to his name. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri is also having an exceptional tournament with two assists. Al Ahly’s Ben Romdhane should be fit to start after sustaining an injury against Nigeria.
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Tunisia v Mali last Lineups
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Formation : 3 - 4 - 1 - 2
Mali & Tunisia Squad Analysis
Mali’s form has been worrying at this competition. Many expected them to easily make it out of the group and possibly fight for the top spot with Morocco. However, they ended up struggling to finish just a point above the third-placed Comoros, having drawn all three of their group games. Much of their problems have come in attack, where they have managed to score just one open-play goal. They also allowed the Zambians to equalize in the dying minutes in their group opener, which almost proved costly. A win against Tunisia could help them rediscover their form.
The Tunisians, on the other hand, went on an unbeaten run in their World Cup qualifying campaign, winning nine of their 10 matches. Impressively, they didn’t concede a goal in those assignments. However, they have looked unconvincing at the AFCON, winning just one of their games to finish behind Nigeria with 4 points. The Eagles of Carthage have shipped in five goals already at this tournament, although their sharp attackers can bail them out of trouble when needed. They must improve their defensive performance to advance further in this tournament.
Most goals and assists
Mali
Tunisia
L. Sinayoko
(2 Goals)
E. Achouri
(2 Goals)
H. Mejbri
(2 Assists)
Mali and Tunisia Stats in AFCON
Mali - Tunisia Key Points
- Mali won or drew seven of their last eight matches.
- Tunisia won or drew 10 of their last 12 matches.
- The total goals went over 2.5 in five of the last six Tunisia matches.
- Both teams scored in five of the last six Tunisia matches.
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Our Mali vs Tunisia Prediction
Tunisia will come into this exciting contest as the warm +170 betting favorites. They are the better attacking side and should find a way to unlock Mali’s defensive resilience. Historically, they have proven to be too strong for the Malians, losing just once in their last six meetings. The Carthage Eagles will know that Mali is struggling in attack, and all they have to do is buckle up in defense and score a goal or two. However, Mali will be buoyed by their spirited 1-1 draw against the hosts, Morocco, which showed they can stand up against the best teams in this tournament. Still, we’re edging for Tunisia to win 2-1.
Our prediction for Mali vs Tunisia: Over 2.5 goals.
Mali vs Tunisia - Other Interesting Picks
Both teams to score
The stakes will be high on Saturday, so we expect both teams to go for the win. Tunisia should see much of the ball in this match as they try to break down the resilient Malians. However, Mali will likely target their weak defense with quick transitions and counterattacks. Backing both teams to score is another exciting take in this clash.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
