The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kick off in Group I with a clash between Mali and Mozambique at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako this Friday.
Mozambique come into the match with a point to prove. Despite their less favourable history against Mali, their recent third-place finish in the COSAFA Cup underscores their potential to challenge the group favourites.
Match preview
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Mali, a team with a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is looking to assert their dominance in Group I as they begin their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. With 13 previous AFCON qualifications under their belt, the Eagles are the most experienced side in the group and have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.
In recent qualifiers, the hosts have been particularly strong, winning at least four matches in each of the last four editions and securing five victories during the 2023 qualifiers, where they also matched their second-highest goal tally in the qualifiers.
The team is however entering a new era under the guidance of Tom Saintfiet, who was appointed as the new head coach on August 28. Saintfiet, a seasoned coach with experience across several African national teams, took over from Eric Chelle, who was dismissed on June 13 after leading Mali to the quarter-finals of the AFCON earlier this year in Ivory Coast.
Despite this success, Chelle's tenure ended abruptly, and Saintfiet now faces the challenge of steering the Eagles through the qualifiers. This match against Mozambique will be his first in charge, marking the beginning of what Mali hopes will be a successful era under his leadership.
Mali's recent competitive form has been mixed, raising some concerns ahead of Saintfiet's debut. The team is coming off a 0-0 draw away against Madagascar in Johannesburg, where they struggled to find the back of the net despite dominating much of the play. This followed a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Ghana in Bamako, adding pressure on the team to perform better on home soil.
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Mozambique, representing Pot 2 in Group I of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, arrive at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako with a point to prove. Despite a less favourable history against Mali, who defeated them 2-1 in their only previous meeting at the 2014 AFCON, the visitors are set to challenge the group favourites with confidence.
Recent form underscores Mozambique's potential to make waves in the group. The Mambas have been on a solid run, with their last loss in regular time occurring in January 2024, when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cape Verde. Since then, their only other defeat came in the COSAFA Cup, where they were narrowly beaten by Namibia in a penalty shootout.
The Mambas's unbeaten streak, which spans their AFCON campaign, World Cup qualifiers, and the COSAFA Cup, highlights their consistent performance and resilience. Building on this strong form, they will aim to make a significant impact in their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Mozambique's recent third-place finish in the COSAFA Cup stands out as one of their best performances in the competition since their runner-up spot in 2015. This achievement suggests they are well-prepared for the AFCON qualifiers and ready to make a significant impact.
Team News
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Mali will face Mozambique with a significantly altered squad due to multiple injuries and absences. Among the notable players missing is Adama Traore, who had been recalled after being suspended for criticising Mali's football administration but suffered a knee injury.
The team will also be without key figures like Amadou Haidara from RB Leipzig, defender Massadio Haidara from Stade Brest, and forwards Moussa Sylla from Schalke 04, Lassine Sinayoko from AJ Auxerre, and Kevin Zohi from Sochaux.
Additionally, teenager Malick Yalcouye, who is on loan at Sturm Graz from Brighton & Hove Albion, is absent as he has yet to decide on his international future, being eligible to play for both Mali and the Ivory Coast.
In response to these setbacks, Mali has made several last-minute call-ups to bolster the squad. Watford striker Mamadou Doumbia has been added to the roster, providing a much-needed option up front.
Mozambique approach the match against Mali with a fully fit squad, which provides a significant advantage for their coach. This complete roster allows the coach to implement his game plan without limitations and optimise his tactical choices against a strong Malian side.
The availability of Claudio Bauque, who poses a significant goalscoring and creating threat, will boost Mozambique's chances against Mali. His presence in the squad offers an added dimension to their attack, potentially tipping the balance in Mozambique's favour.
Mali possible starting lineup:
Diarra; Diakite, Camara, Sagnan, Dante; Coulibaly, Dieng, Fofana, Sinayoko; Toure, Doumbia
Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Siluane; Nanani, Malembana, Reinildo, Langa; Nene; Catamo, Guima, Amade, Witi; Clesio
We say: Mali 2-1 Mozambique
Despite recent struggles and the absence of key players, Mali's strong track record in AFCON qualifiers and home advantage at Stade 26 Mars suggest they will edge out Mozambique.
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