Morocco vs Mali Predictions - Morocco set for second successive AFCON victory

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 42 minutes ago

John Eastwood 42 minutes ago

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Morocco has won 15 of their last 18 matches, showcasing strong form.
Mali didn't qualify for the World Cup but aim to test Morocco's defense.
Morocco is predicted to win, with a high chance of not conceding any goals.

Morocco last met Mali in the 2021 African Nations Championship final (Getty)

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Morocco vs Mali Predictions

Morocco won their opening game and although they weren't at their best, should be able to see off Mali, who should offer a stern test.

Morocco vs Mali Predictions
Head to Head
Morocco Form
Morocco News and Predicted Lineup
Mali Form
Mali Predicted News & Predicted Lineup

Morocco have won 15 of their last 18 matches.
Morocco have won to nil in 10 of their last 13 matches.
Morocco have won 3 of their last 4 matches against Mali.
Mali have failed to score in 6 of their last 11 matches.

Head to Head

Morocco have a strong record against Mali having won eight of their 15 matches. There were three draws and four Mali victories.

Morocco Form

Morocco are flying high after qualifying for the World Cup and winning the Arab Cup. They are unbeaten since August, winning 15 of their last 18 games which includes three draws.

The Atlas Lions conceded only one goal on their way to the Arab Cup final. They met Jordan in the final, Abderrazak Hamdallah’s late equaliser taking it to extra time where he scored again to secure a 3-2 victory.

Walid Regragui’s side got off to a winning start at AFCON where they are the hosts and favourites. They beat Comoros 2-0, Soufiane Rahimi’s early penalty saved before goals to Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.

Morocco News and Predicted Lineup

Morocco (4-3-3) Yassine Bounou; Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Jawad El Yamiq, Anass Salah-Eddine; Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismael Saibari

Romain Saiss picked up a hamstring injury against Comoros and was replaced by Jawad El Yamiq.

Achraf Hakimi continues to recover from an ankle injury, Regragui saying: "Hakimi is coming back. In fact, he's returned faster than we expected. We're being very cautious because we really want him available for this tournament. Will he start or not? We'll make that decision at the last moment."

Soufiane Rahimi could lose his spot up front with Ayoub El Kaabi and Youssef En-Nesyri options to start. Regragui hinted that El Kaabi could get the nod, saying: "Substitutes often have more success in front of goal. I chose to start Sofiane Rahimi to bring more dynamism, but we saw how effective El Kaabi was."

Mali Form

Mali were unable to qualify for the World Cup, finishing third in Group I after winning five of their 10 matches. They lost twice to group winners Ghana which sealed their fate.

The Eagles played one friendly to warm up for AFCON, a 0-0 draw against Jordan.

Tom Saintfiet’s side were on target to beat Zambia in their opening match at AFCON. El Bilal Toure saw his penalty saved before Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring, but they were caught out in added time and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Mali Predicted News & Predicted Lineup

Mali (4-2-3-1) Djigui Diarra; Woyo Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Amadou Dante; Mamadou Sangare, Aliou Dieng; Lassine Sinayoko, Kamory Doumbia, Dorgeles Nene; El Bilal Toure

Saintfiet commented on the fitness of midfielder Yves Bissouma, saying: "Yves is my captain, he's important. We have assurances that Yves will be ready during the tournament. When the matches get tougher, we’ll be glad to have him."

Defenders Sikou Niakate and Hamari Traore are both out but could be available if Mali progress beyond the group stage.

Verdict

Morocco v Mali

Morocco are the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and rarely concede goals. Mali deserve some respect here, but I can’t go past the Atlas Lions in Rabat.