Mali vs Tunisia Predictions - Draw backed after 90 minutes at AFCON

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 03 Jan 2026

John Eastwood 03 Jan 2026

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Mali and Tunisia have drawn their last two encounters.
Tunisia holds a slight historical advantage with six wins in 13 matches.
A draw predicted due to both teams' defensive strengths.

Expired

Mali and Tunisia last met at the Africa Cup of Nations on January 20, 2024. (Getty)

Mali vs Tunisia Predictions

Mali drew all three of their group games while Tunisia drew once in the group. The last two head to head encounters also ended in draws.

Mali are undefeated in 10 of their last 12 matches.
Mali have drawn their last 4 matches.
Mali have drawn their last 2 matches against Tunisia.
Tunisia are undefeated in 10 of their last 12 matches.
Tunisia have drawn 4 of their last 10 matches.

Head to Head

Tunisia hold a slight edge having won six of their 13 matches against Mali along with three draws. Their lat match ended in a 1-1 draw

Mali Form

Mali failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in Group I after winning five of their 10 matches. They played one warm up for AFCON, a 0-0 draw against Jordan.

Tom Saintfiet’s side looked set to win their opening match at AFCON, caught out in added time by Zambia in a 1-1 draw. They fell behind against Morocco but were rewarded from the penalty spot, Lassine Sinayoko scoring his second goal in another 1-1 draw.

The Eagles had 15-3 shots in a 0-0 draw against Comoros, Amadou Haidara sent off late on as they ended with 0.95-0.12 xG. The result saw them finish second in Group A.

Saintfiet admitted his side have to score more goals, saying: "It feels weird honestly, because as coach, you want to win games... we have to be more efficient in front of goal, and that is something we have to work on before the coming game."

Tunisia Form

Tunisia had no problems in the World Cup qualifiers, finishing 13 points clear at the top of Group H. They won nine matches alongside one draw, scoring 22 goals with none conceded.

The Carthage Eagles started the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved 3-1 win against Uganda, Ellyes Skhiri scoring early before two goals to Elias Achouri established a 3-0 lead.

Sami Trabelsi’s side trailed Nigeria 3-0 but fought back through goals to Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, Ferjani Sassi spurning an opportunity to equalise in added time.

Tunisia had 1.00-0.18 xG in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania but failed to keep a clean sheet once again. They settled for a 1-1 draw which was enough to finish second in Group C.

Trabelsi discussed the defensive issues his side have been experiencing, saying: "We conceded five goals in the group stage; this is not the Tunisian standard. We must return to the defensive discipline we showed in the qualifiers."

Verdict

Mali v Tunisia

Mali and Tunisia have been below their best at the Africa Cup of Nations but deserve their spots in the Round of 16. I think this will be a close contest which means a draw is my best bet in Casablanca.

Draw

Full Time Result

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1-1 Draw

Correct Score

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