Mali and Mauritania will face off in their first fixture of the AFCON 2019 and both will be looking to start off well and give themselves an advantage in Group E. Bet on AFCON matches here.
Mali lost to Algeria in a recent friendly despite goals from Abdoulay Diaby and Falaye Sacko. Despite the poor result they still remain one of the strong contenders considering the talent available to this side. Mohamed Magassouba might still be the man in charge on an interim basis but he has had two years to put across his ideas.
Mauritania are coming off the back of a defeat to Benin where they lost 3-1 in Marrakech. However they will be looking at their most recent win over Madagascar for inspiration. Will their inexperience at the top level cost them here?
Betting preview
Both teams have found the back of the net in Mali’s last three outings whereas the same landed in all two of Mauritania’s international friendlies. Backing Both Teams to Score looks like good value here at odds of 2.35.
Mali and Mauritania have met four times previously with one win apiece and two draws. Mauritania won 1-0 in the 2017 African Nations Championship but it is Mali who are tipped to emerge on top here and you can back them at odds of 1.60.
Mali have seen Over 2.5 Goals in three of their last four matches in all competitions whilst Mauritania have seen Over 2.5 Goals in their last two international friendlies. Odds of 2.35 for Over 2.5 Goals look fairly priced here.
Team news
Magassouba is expected to name the likes of Diaby, Moussa Marega and Adama Traore in the starting lineup for Mali.
Ismael Diakite was key in helping Mauritania reach their first ever Africa Cup of Nations and they now have the chance to ruffle feathers under the guidance of Corentin Martins.
Possible line ups
Mali: Mounkoro, Traore, Wague, Fofana, M. Haidara, Djenepo, Haidara, Samassekou, Traore, Diaby, Marega.
Mauritania: Souleymane, Abeid, Demba, N’Diaye, Ba, Coulibaly, Camara, Diakite, Dellahi, El Hacen, Ba