Prediction: Angola vs Mali

Verdict: Mali win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two nations who have their sights firmly set on securing top spot in Group E at this year’s African Cup of Nations, Angola will meet Mali at the Ismaïlia Stadium on Tuesday night.

Angola

Starting with Angola, although Head Coach Srdjan Vasiljevic has announced that he still believes his side can book a spot in the knockout stage out in Egypt this summer, it has been a mixed start to life in Group E for the Reds. While many were shocked by Palancas Negras managing to pick up an impressive 1-1 draw against last year’s World Cup finalists and Group E favorites Tunisia in their opening clash, their Serbian boss would have been extremely disappointed by his sides’ showing over the weekend. Watching Geraldo’s 90th-minute strike ruled out and wasting a string of golden opportunities they could only settle for a point against African Cup of Nations debutants Mauritania. With Tunisia facing off against Mauritania in their final Group E appearance in midweek, Vasiljevic will know that his side must secure three points at the Ismaïlia Stadium if they’re to secure a knockout spot.

Team News

Angola’s Head Coach Srdjan Vasiljevic has confirmed that he has no injury concerns ahead of their Group E finale and has a full squad at his disposal.

Mali

As for Mali, despite throwing away a one-goal lead against Tunisia over the weekend and having to settle for a point, caretaker boss Mohamed Magassouba has seen his side enjoy a bright run out in Egypt and sit in pole position to secure a route out of Group E. Despite failing to win any of their three pre-Africa Cup of Nations appearances, including defeats against Senegal and Algeria, the Eagles are yet to taste defeat so far and will still be boosted by their empathic 4-1 win over Mauritania in their Group E opener. Along with a win securing Mali’s spot in the knockout stage, a point on Tuesday would also be enough, something they could not manage two years ago in Gabon. Although Mali do boast a number of European talents, including Porto striker Moussa Marega, the West African outfit have continued to struggle with some defensive issues. Yet to record a clean sheet at this summers tournament, the Eagles have now failed to record a single clean sheet since the middle of March, a six-match run.

Team News

Much like their opponents on Tuesday, Mali also have no injury or suspension to worry about. It is likely that Adama Traoré II will return after bragging a brace against Mauritania in their Group E opener.

Key Factors to Consider

• Mali have managed to find the net in each of their last eight consecutive appearances.
• The teams have met each on two occasions.
• Their last encounter, which was in 2010, finished in an eight-goal thriller with both teams sharing the spoils in a 4-4 scoreline.
• 61 places separate the two sides in the FIFA rankings.
• Angola have never kept a clean sheet against Mali.

Conclusion

On paper, Mali should see this as a golden opportunity to secure their spot as Group E winners. With the morale in their camp the highest it has been in recent memory and also boasting a squad with more experience, we’re backing a high-flying Eagles to come out on top at the Ismaïlia Stadium on Tuesday night.

Verdict: Mali win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Bet365