Sparks will fly as Mali and Ivory Coast go toe-to-toe with each other at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). Which of these teams will advance to the semi-final after all is said and done?
Mali vs Ivory Coast overview
This quarter-final match will take place on Saturday February 3 at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan. Kick-off time is 6 pm WAT.
Mali
Mali booked a place in the knockout stages after finishing at the top of Group E. They defeated AFCON 2013 finalists Burkina Faso in the Round of 16, setting up a mouthwatering clash with Ivory Coast.
The Eagles have struggled against their opponents in the past, so it'll be interesting to see how they'll match-up against the Elephants.
Ivory Coast
On the other hand, Ivory Coast went into the knockout stages after back-to-back losses against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
However, despite being the underdogs in their Round of 16 clash with Senegal, the Elephants held their own against the defending champions, knocking them out on penalties.
Only two host nations reached the semi-finals of the Nations Cup since 2010, so the Ivorians will be eyeing a place in the last four.
Mali vs Ivory Coast head to head
Mali don't exactly have a great track record against Ivory Coast. They managed four wins in 32 previous skirmishes between these teams, losing a whopping 19 times with nine draws.
As a matter of fact, the Eagles won just one of their last 25 meetings with Ivory Coast dating back to January 1983.
Moreover, 17 of 32 meetings between these outfits were either at the AFCON, or in the qualifying rounds of this tournament. The Ivorians have dominated Mali, losing just once in a qualifying game in May 1977.
These teams last met in the Round of 16 if AFCON 2019, where Ivory Coast won by a lone goal.
Mali vs Ivory Coast potential lineups
Amadou Haidara is questionable for this match, after picking up an injury in Mali's Round of 16 clash with Burkina Faso.
The Eagles are expected to line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Adama Traoré and Lassine Sinayoko leading the charge.
Sinayoko has scored three of Mali's five goals at this tournament, he'll likely cause some problems for Ivory Coast's defence.
On the other hand, Sebastian Haller and Badra Ali Sangaré are doubtful for Ivory Coast, with the latter still yet to play at this tournament.
Yahia Fofana should start in goal for the Elephants, who will likely adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation.
With that in mind, these are our probable Mali vs Ivory Coast lineups:
Mali
Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra.
Defenders: Hamari Traore, Boubakar Kouyate, Sikou Niakhaté, Falaye Sacko.
Midfielders: Lassana Coulibaly, Mohamed Camara, Diadie Samassékou, Kamory Doumbia.
Forwards: Adama Traore, Lassine Sinayoko.
Ivory Coast
Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana.
Defenders: Ghislain Konan, Evan Ndicka, Wilfied Singo, Serge Aurier.
Midfielders: Max Gradel, Jean Micheal Seri, Ibrahim Sangaré, Oumar Diakité, Seko Fofana.
Forwards: Jean Krasso.
Mali vs Ivory Coast tactical analysis
Mali extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches after their victory over Burkina Faso. They have eight wins in that stretch, with three draws.
Eric Chelle's men kept two clean sheets in four matches so far, whilst scoring five times.
Meanwhile Ivory Coast lost two of their last three matches, their only win in that three-game stretch was on penalties.
Emerse Faé's men will have a tough task of ending Mali's 11-match unbeaten run if they intend to play in the semi-final.
Mali vs Ivory Coast prediction
Although Mali have struggled against Ivory Coast in the past, the Ivorians have not exactly impressed at this tournament.
In their last three matches, Ivory Coast conceded six times whilst scoring just once.
Although the Elephants managed to beat an in-form Senegal on penalties, we are fairly confident that Mali will give them a run for their money.
On that note, we are leaning towards Mali for the victory.
Where to watch Mali vs Ivory Coast live
Malians can tune into Canal+, ORTM and New World Sport1 for live coverage of this match.
Likewise, RTI, RTI La 3, New World Sport1 and Canal+ are some of the TV options for fans who reside in Ivory Coast.
