Tunisia vs Mali Prediction: The Eagles are the favorite to secure the maximum points here

In a highly anticipated match, Tunisia is set to face off against Mali this Saturday at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Despite Tunisia's recent loss against Namibia, they are still considered one of the most consistent teams in the competition. However, Mali has been on a winning streak and is feeling confident going into this match. There's no doubt that both teams will give it their all, and it's definitely going to be a thrilling game to watch.

FIFA Ranking: 28th

One-time AFCON winner commenced their AFCON journey with a defeat against Namibia. Tunisia, who were tipped to come on top, were literally not at their best and were punished duly. The Atlas Lions were unconvincing and could have lost by more than a goal margin. 

Tunisia made their way to the AFCON Tournament after picking up thirteen points from a possible eighteen in the qualifying round. Tunisia boasts of the best defense in the competition, conceding just once. 

Tunisia have won three, lost one, and drawn once in their last five games, conceding twice while scoring six. Jalel Kadri's men have at least reached the quarterfinals in their previous four appearances in this competition, but this season might just be different. 

Tunisia Likely Starting Lineup: Dahmen; Talbi, Meriah, Maaloul, Haddadi; Ben Romdhane, Ben Slimane, Laidouni; Youssef Msakni, Sliti, Jaziri

Key Player: Youssef Msakni

FIFA World ranking: 51st

The Eagles continued their decent run with a (2-0) victory over a solid South African side. Mali were lucky not to have conceded in the early minutes of the game after Percy Tau missed from the spot for South Africa. Since then, the Eagles increased their tempo and got two goals in the second half. The (2-0) victory means they have now won seven and drawn once in their previous eight matches. 

Mali head here for the eighth consecutive season and have made it out of the group back-to-back. The last time they were here, Mali were knocked out of the previous sixteen by Equatorial Guinea. 

The Eagles have been up and running since the appointment of Eric Chelle, with one defeat in the last fourteen games. Eric Chelle qualified his side for the AFCON tournament, having picked up fifteen points from a possible eighteen. 

The Eagles are a free-flowing team and have shared goals between themselves in recent games. 

Mali Starting Lineup : Diarra; Traore, Niakate, Kouyate, Sacko — Bissouma, Dieng, Haidara — Doumbia, Koita, Sinayoko

Key Player: Yves Bissouma

Over their previous seven meetings, Tunisia have won three, while Mali have managed two victories and two games ending in a tie. Tunisia's opening game left much to be desired as it lacked the necessary decisiveness and failed to make an impact in the opposition box. Frankly, Namibia could have easily won by three goals if they were a stronger team. On the other hand, Mali may have had a slow start, but they quickly regained control of the game after their opponent missed a penalty. The Eagles have definitely grown in confidence and are now a more assertive and direct team, unafraid to take risks and make bold moves. If Tunisia opens up the way they did against Namibia, I presume they will be punished severely. I anticipate a solid performance from the Eagles, and we think they’ll almost win here; bet on an away win in either half for 1.98.

This game will end in a halftime draw for 1.92.

We expect the visitors to score first for 2.08.

Good luck!