Tunisia and Mali will begin Wednesday’s action in an early kick off that’s due to be played in humid conditions in Limbe, Cameroon. With many familiar faces from Europe’s top leagues featuring in this clash, we’re set for 90 minutes of quality football.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group F
Wednesday 12 January
Limbe Stadium
15:00
To Win
Tunisia 31/20 | Draw 16/10 | Mali 39/20
Tunisia
Head coach Mondher Kebaier has been quietly going under the radar, securing Tunisia’s ticket to the third round of Africa’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in emphatic style, only conceding two goals in six games en-route to topping the group which could prove to be championship worthy form if they’re able to replicate it in this tournament.
More recently, Tunisia found themselves on the losing end to Algeria (2-0) in the final of the FIFA Arab Cup before taking the scalp of Egypt (1-0) in the semi-finals, which would be served as excellent preparation to the Eagles of Carthage search for gold, securing their maiden title 18 years ago.
We can’t forget to mention Tunisia’s extraordinary 2019 AFCON campaign, qualifying from the group stages with three draws and eventually making their way to the semi-finals, losing to Senegal in extra-time through a cruel own goal and left Cairo empty-handed after losing 1-0 to Nigeria in the bronze medal match.
Die-hard Manchester United fans are excited at the prospect of watching 18-year midfielder Hannibal Mejbri in action with a massive noise coming out of Old Trafford in recent years about the technically-gifted central midfielder, who’s also blessed with pace and isn’t scared to get stuck into aerial duels.
Mali
It won’t be an easy task for the highly-rated teenager when he’s up against Al Ahly powerhouse Aliou Dieng, Yves Bissouma (Brighton & Hove Albion) and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara.
This trio of box-to-box midfielders could be key to Mali upsetting the applecart and making their way into the knockout stages of the tournament. Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo will be the out-ball as Mali will look to swiftly change from defence to attack by utilising the lightening quick winger in advanced areas of the pitch.
Moussa Doumbia is another player who is lethal along the flanks with his blistering speed. However, their main issue is the lack of a quality number nine. During qualification Mali scored 10 goals in six games with eight different players finding the net for Les Aigles.
Prediction: Draw (16/10)
There’s not enough to separate these sides and seeing as this is the first game both teams won’t want to begin by tasting defeat. The bookies have shortened the draw to 16/10 and I feel its well worth a punt.
