Mali and Mauritania will square off at Suez Stadium after the dust settles with Tunisia and Angola doing battle earlier in the evening. The betting suggests that Mali should dominate proceedings but Mauritania have proven to be no pushovers and if given half a chance, rest assured, they will take it with open arms.
AFCON 2019 | Group E | Mali vs Mauritania | Monday 24 June | Suez Stadium | 22:00
To Win (90 Minutes)
Mali 15/20
Draw 47/20
Mauritania 38/10
Mali
Writing this match preview might just be a waste of time and effort given the fact that with just a few days to go before the AFCON 2019 kicks off, the Mali Eagles are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons with the team facing disqualification due to a crisis that is undermining its football federation, as reported by Africanews. But let’s not get into the negatives that could affect this game and possibly the tournament, at this point, it’s all just a case of ifs and buts.
Mali have finished third in 2012 and 2013 continental finals and will be desperate to progress from the group stages. The Eagles rose from their qualifying group unscathed with four wins and two draws from six matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice. The West Africans have form on their side and will be looking to maintain that ahead of the AFCON 2019.
Mauritania
Mauritania qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history after finishing runners-up behind Angola on goal difference. The Lions of Chinguetti thrive on teamwork and fighting spirit.
Being debutants for this year’s highly-anticipated tournament might just work in their favour with players under less pressure to perform but at the same time, a lack of experience is likely to hinder their chances of tournament success.
Verdict: Mauritania Win/Draw Double Chance (19/20)
Expect a cagey affair with Mali dominating possession and Mauritania deploying counter-attacking tactics. This one should go down to the wire but I’m backing the Lions of Chinguetti on the Win/Draw Double Chance.
Written by Aaron Crowie
