Our betting expert has prepared Mali vs Ivory Coast predictions and tips as the hosts are eager to secure the AFCON title in front of their home crowd. Having knocked out Senegal, the Elephants are one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Mali vs Ivory Coast Predictions & Tips
- Ivory Coast to win at 2.35
- Ivory Coast to win and over 1.5 goals at 3.25
- Ivory Coast to win and under 3.5 goals at 2.70
- Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko to score anytime at 4.33
- Ivory Coast and GG at 10.90
- First half – draw at 1.86
- Ivory Coast Draw No Bet at 1.70
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Elephants to secure semi-final spot
After a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast bounced back and delivered a solid performance and result against Senegal.
Even after falling behind by a goal, the Elephants fought back flawlessly. They showed great resilience and were unfortunate not to win before penalties.
They stand as a good bet if they put in a similar display against Mali, the hosts. Plus, they have the home crowd advantage.
Mali have had a much easier route to this stage of the tournament. They might find it difficult to compete against a team filled with superstars.
Looking at their last five head-to-head meetings, it is worth noting Mali have only come out on top once. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast have won two and drawn the other two without conceding.
Bet 1: Ivory Coast to win @ 2.35 with Bet9ja
Hosts to protect their nest against the Eagles
Across all eight matches played between Mali and Ivory Coast in the AFCON tournament, only one game has produced more than three goals.
Although Mali are yet to lose, a 0-0 draw with Namibia was far from impressive. Also, their 1-1 result against Tunisia was rather uninspiring due to their underwhelming campaign.
Victories over South Africa and Burkina Faso have pleased their fans, but neither are on the same level as Ivory Coast.
With the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie and Oumar Diakite in their squad, the hosts have more than enough to not only win, but prevent Mali from scoring more than once.
Bet 2: Ivory Coast to win and under 3.5 goals @ 2.70 with Bet9ja
Cagey first half in crucial fixture
Despite Ivory Coast’s home advantage, it’s the quarter-finals and both teams are unlikely to adopt an all-out attacking approach in the opening exchanges.
All of Mali’s group matches were level at half-time. Their sole lead against Burkina Faso came at the break, thanks to an early goal.
Ivory Coast were level at half-time against Nigeria. They were almost level against Equatorial Guinea, but a late first-half equaliser was ruled out by VAR.
With so much at stake at this stage in the competition, expect Mali to sit back and figure out Ivory Coast’s approach in the first half. This could lead to a draw at half-time, before the game springs into life.
Bet 3: First half draw @ 1.86 with Bet9ja
Mali’s main man the danger once more
We can’t dismiss Mali entirely, as they remain unbeaten on their way to the semi-final stage. That is why our final prediction focuses on the goalscorer market.
Much of their success can be attributed to their striker, Lassine Sinayoko. He has netted three goals across three matches.
The Auxerre striker scored what turned out to be the winner in the round of 16 against Burkina Faso. The only exception was not scoring against Namibia in the final group game.
However, he was substituted in the 51st minute to ensure he is well-rested for the knockout stage, given that Mali had already qualified.
The 24-year-old has been lethal. If Mali are to get on the scoresheet, it will probably be thanks to their striker, who has scored three out of their five goals to date.
Bet 4: Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko to score anytime @ 4.33 with Bet9ja
