Mali U20 vs France U20 Predictions

After impressing in their opening two games of the tournament, both Mali and France are set for the last 16 ahead of this clash. The pair are still fighting ahead of the final game, but it’s hard to see either of them dropping out. A point for the French would give them top spot, while a draw would see Mali wrap up second. However, will the African side look to kick on in their bid to steal top spot and land a more favourable clash in the next round?

Mali have got four points from their first two games, which should be enough to take them through as one of the highest placed third-placed finishers if it comes down to that. However, they’ll be out to claim second place for themselves, while they’re chasing a result to finish the group stage on a high. They played out an impressive 4-3 win against Saudi Arabia in their last game, which has helped to put them on course for the second round.

France have picked up maximum points from their opening two games without conceding a goal. They’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the senior side who tasted glory in Russia last summer. It would certainly be a major statement for France to land the two biggest worldwide international tournaments just 12 months apart. Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of talent in this side, despite the fact that Kylian Mbappe hasn’t joined, despite being eligible to play in Poland.

Of course, many of France’s big stars are likely to sit out here. They’ve basically put themselves through, so rotation is likely on Friday. They’re heading for the next round, so expect them to relax a little for this clash. That should give Mali the edge in the match, but so far we’ve seen this Mali side struggle with the defensive side of the game. While they have proven they can attack with five goals to their name, shipping four to Panama and Saudi Arabia is a concern.

The French are likely to have issues at the back given that we expect them to make changes. They are also about to face their toughest test of the tournament against this Mali front-line, so there’s plenty of reason to believe that Mali will grab a goal. However, given how poorly the African side have defended so far, we expect a couple of goals in this one. We’re backing both teams to score in this clash on Friday.