Mali vs Mauritania Predictions

• Mauritania have been woeful and are yet to score in this tournament.
• Top spot Gambia face a stern test against Tunisia, so Mali will be keen to secure a victory early.
• 50 places separate Mali from Mauritania in the FIFA rankings.

One way traffic to be expected

Mali comes into this encounter in an excellent position and know that victory over a poor Mauritania will see them guarantee qualification to the knockout phase of this tournament. They will however be disappointed that their match against Gambia ended in a draw due to a last-minute equaliser. Nevertheless, Mauritania have already been eliminated and Mali should be securing victory here.

Mauritania’s poor showing in this edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is almost over. Their performance against Tunisia summed up their tournament as they were dealt a heavy 4-0 defeat and it means they’ve now failed to score from open play in any game across their five previous AFCON finals matches. They sit 50 places behind Mali in the FIFA rankings and they’ll simply be playing for pride.

Mali to cruise past Mauritania

We think Mali will make light work of Mauritania and given how poor the away side are in attacking areas, we’re backing Mali to win and keep a clean sheet.