An interesting fixture is on the cards as Namibia and Mali go head-to-head at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). Which of these teams will emerge victorious at the end of this match?
Namibia vs Mali overview
This Group E game will take place at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday January 24. Kick-off time is 6 pm WAT.
Namibia
After defeating Tunisia by a lone goal in their opening game, Namibia suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss to South Africa's Bafana Bafana. Collin Benjamin's men will need at least one point from this match in order to reach the Round of 16.
Mali
On the other hand, Mali have been the best team in Group E after the first two rounds. They've accumulated four points from a possible six, and are leading the group standings.
Eric Chelle's men have already qualified for the next round, they'll look to secure the top spot with a victory.
Namibia vs Mali head to head
This will be the seventh encounter between these teams since they first met in October 1994. Interestingly, the previous six clashes between Namibia and Mali took place at the qualifying rounds of this tournament.
Namibia have not particularly fared well against the Malians. They have no wins in the last five skirmishes between these teams, with a draw and four losses.
Namibia vs Mali potential lineups
Namibia will likely line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with Peter Shalulile leading the charge. The Mamelodi Sundowns player is yet to score in this tournament.
On the other hand, Eric Chelle is expected to adopt a 4-3-1-2 formation for Mali, with Young Africans shot-stopper Djigui Diarra starting between the sticks.
With that in mind, these are our probable Namibia vs Mali lineups:
Namibia
Goalkeeper: Junior Kazapua.
Defenders: Riann Hanamub, Lubeni Haukongo, Kennedy
Amutenya, Ryan Nyambe.
Midfielders: Aprocius Petrus, Deon Hotto, Menelik
Tjiueza, Petrus Shitembi, Absalom Limbondi.
Forwards: Peter Shalulile.
Mali
Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra.
Defenders: Falaye Sacko, Sikou Niakhaté, Boubakar
Kouyate, Hamari Traore.
Midfielders: Nene Dorgeles, Diadie Samassékou,
Lassana Coulibaly, Kamory Doumbia.
Forwards: Lassine Sinayoko, Sekou Koita.
Namibia vs Mali tactical analysis
Namibia have had a fairly decent run of results lately, with two wins, two draws and two losses in their last six matches.
Collin Benjamin's troops have struggled to find the net however, as they failed to score in five of their last seven games.
This is in contrast with Mali, who have scored in nine consecutive matches, registering 23 goals in the process.
Chelle's men are also on a nine-match unbeaten run, with seven wins and two draws.
Namibia vs Mali prediction
These teams are clearly polar opposites when it comes to recent form. While Mali have seven wins in their last nine matches, Namibia managed two wins in their last 10 games across all competitions.
Taking into account that Mali have no losses in the last five clashes between these teams, we believe they'll emerge victorious at the end of this match.
Where to watch Namibia vs Mali live
Namibians can catch all the action live on Supersport, while fans who reside in Mali can tune into ORTM, New World Sport and Canal+ for live coverage of the history game.
