Mali vs Egypt
2017 Africa Cup of Nations
Tuesday, 20:00 pm (GMT+1)
Stade Port Gentil, Port Gentil (GAB)
With Ghana likely to be on the teams that progress from Group D, Mali and Egypt are likely to be scrapping for the second qualification place to take their place in the last eight. They meet first up on January 17, so who will get ahead early in the competition?
1. Mali vs Egypt Preview
The golden age of Egyptian football, in which they won three African Cup of Nations trophies between 2006-2010, appears to be a thing of the past; they failed to even qualify for the tournament in 2013 and 2015.
But a straightforward qualification for 2017, in which they finished above none other than Nigeria in Group G, suggests the good times are just around the corner once again.
Mali saw off a pair of capable sides in Benin and Guinea in their qualification campaign, scoring at a rate of two goals per game, and they really did look like a dynamic and enterprising outfit. It will be interesting to see how they go at AFCON 2017, but first things first they must tackle a confident Egyptian side.
2. Winner Betting Odds
The bookmakers are willing to take a chance on Egypt and have made them their narrow favourites for this match at 2.25.
But they aren’t giving up completely on Mali, who can be backed at 3.40. The draw is available at 3.10.
3. Where the Money Is?
There were no obvious problems for Egypt in qualifying, although they did need a 90th minute equaliser from Mohamed Salah to ensure they avoided defeat in Nigeria. But three wins in their three other matches confirms their dominance over the opposition.
All in all, the Egyptians have only lost two matches in the whole of 2016, with six wins and two draws, and so rightfully they are confident of their chances heading to Gabon in January.
This is an enormously experienced squad, with six players boasting 40 or more international caps, and while their experiences in AFCON haven’t always been positive that must count for something. They boast genuine star quality in Salah, and Basem Morsy is more than capable of putting any chances created in the back of the net.
So what about Mali? Well, they only dropped two points during qualifying, and so they can be very pleased with their work. A strong record in African Cup of Nations tournaments in the recent past will surely spur this crop of players on to emulate such achievements.
There is elite-level experience in this Mali squad too, with Bakary Sako and Modibo Maiga well known to fans of English football, and the exciting talent of Abdoulay Diaby looking to make the breakthrough at Club Brugge, where has netted 15 goals in 30 appearances. They certainly have the talent to do well here.
But Egypt’s record in African Cup of Nations contests of yesteryear, and the motivation that brings to the class of 2017, may just be enough to see them home. They have a number of excellent players in their squad, and in Mohamed Salah a player who can win a match in the blink of an eye. Back the Egypt win here.
Tags: Mali vs Egypt predictions, 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Mali vs Egypt betting tips, AFCON 2017 odds, Mali vs Egypt match preview, free football tips.
Mali vs Egypt Predictions
Mali vs Egypt
2017 Africa Cup of Nations
Tuesday, 20:00 pm (GMT+1)
Stade Port Gentil, Port Gentil (GAB)
With Ghana likely to be on the teams that progress from Group D, Mali and Egypt are likely to be scrapping for the second qualification place to take their place in the last eight. They meet first up on January 17, so who will get ahead early in the competition?
Contents
1. Mali vs Egypt Preview
The golden age of Egyptian football, in which they won three African Cup of Nations trophies between 2006-2010, appears to be a thing of the past; they failed to even qualify for the tournament in 2013 and 2015.
But a straightforward qualification for 2017, in which they finished above none other than Nigeria in Group G, suggests the good times are just around the corner once again.
Mali saw off a pair of capable sides in Benin and Guinea in their qualification campaign, scoring at a rate of two goals per game, and they really did look like a dynamic and enterprising outfit. It will be interesting to see how they go at AFCON 2017, but first things first they must tackle a confident Egyptian side.
2. Winner Betting Odds
The bookmakers are willing to take a chance on Egypt and have made them their narrow favourites for this match at 2.25.
But they aren’t giving up completely on Mali, who can be backed at 3.40. The draw is available at 3.10.
3. Where the Money Is?
There were no obvious problems for Egypt in qualifying, although they did need a 90th minute equaliser from Mohamed Salah to ensure they avoided defeat in Nigeria. But three wins in their three other matches confirms their dominance over the opposition.
All in all, the Egyptians have only lost two matches in the whole of 2016, with six wins and two draws, and so rightfully they are confident of their chances heading to Gabon in January.
This is an enormously experienced squad, with six players boasting 40 or more international caps, and while their experiences in AFCON haven’t always been positive that must count for something. They boast genuine star quality in Salah, and Basem Morsy is more than capable of putting any chances created in the back of the net.
So what about Mali? Well, they only dropped two points during qualifying, and so they can be very pleased with their work. A strong record in African Cup of Nations tournaments in the recent past will surely spur this crop of players on to emulate such achievements.
There is elite-level experience in this Mali squad too, with Bakary Sako and Modibo Maiga well known to fans of English football, and the exciting talent of Abdoulay Diaby looking to make the breakthrough at Club Brugge, where has netted 15 goals in 30 appearances. They certainly have the talent to do well here.
But Egypt’s record in African Cup of Nations contests of yesteryear, and the motivation that brings to the class of 2017, may just be enough to see them home. They have a number of excellent players in their squad, and in Mohamed Salah a player who can win a match in the blink of an eye. Back the Egypt win here.
Tags: Mali vs Egypt predictions, 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Mali vs Egypt betting tips, AFCON 2017 odds, Mali vs Egypt match preview, free football tips.