MALI v IVORY COAST
Africa Cup of Nations
Monday 8th July 2019
Kickoff: 1800hrs
Pick: Ivory Coast AH0
Bookmaker: Marathonbet
Odds: 1.62 (odds taken at 02:57 GMT, 08 July 2019)
The final two matches of the round of 16 in the Africa Cup of Nations will be played on Monday night and we start things off by looking ahead to the clash between Mali and Ivory Coast at the New Suez Stadium.
Africa Cup of Nations at Marathonbet
Mali Prediction – Can Mali overcome the odds against Ivory Coast?
Mali finished top of Group E in the group stages of this competition with 7 points to their name as they remained unbeaten.
They finished ahead of runners-up, Tunisia, by a 4-point margin thanks to wins against Mauritania and Angola along with a draw with Tunisia.
A convincing 4-1 romp over Mauritania in their opening group match set Mali on their way, and having registered a win over Angola, they were set to finish top.
And top they did finish as they remained unbeaten, but they face a tough challenge in the shape of Ivory Coast on Monday night.
Prior to the start of this tournament, Mali had gone 3 matches without a win which included 2 defeats and a draw.
Losses to Senegal and Algeria along with a draw against Cameroon was a tough schedule ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The experience of playing these strong African nations seems to have done Mali some good though as they’ve reached the final 16.
However, with just 1 win out of their last 7 meetings against Ivory Coast, Mali are expected to be up against it here.
Ivory Coast Prediction – Can Ivory Coast continue dominance over Mali?
Ivory Coast eventually finished runners-up to winners Morocco in Group D by a 3-point margin during the group stages of this tournament.
Wins against South Africa and Namibia in 1-0 and 4-1 victories respectively either side of a 1-0 loss to Morocco was enough to see them qualify for the last 16.
There’s a feeling that Ivory Coast did just about enough to qualify for the knockout stages but they’re capable of now moving up through the gears.
6 wins from their last 8 matches in all competitions isn’t a shabby record by any means, and indeed they’ve lost just 2 of their last 15 matches overall.
These losses were to Morocco in this competition and friendly against Uganda, but they now seem to have their ‘game-faces’ on now.
With key attacking quality in the shape of Kodjia, Bony, Gradel and of course, Zaha, in their personnel, Ivory Coast an imposing outfit.
Their solid history against Mali should also play into Ivory Coast’s hands here too as they seek a place in the quarter-finals.
Key-Facts – Mali v Ivory Coast
- Mali remained unbeaten throughout the group stages (2 wins and 1 draw)
- Ivory Coast have won 6 of their last 8 matches in all competitions
- Ivory Coast have lost just 1 of their last 7 meetings against Mali
Betting Tips Verdict
Mali look to have their work cut out here and could well struggle against Ivory Coast’s firepower.
