Cameroon vs Mali Predictions

Cameroon and Mali are both outsiders for the Africa Cup of Nations, but will be confident of making it through their groups and if they manage that then they will be in with a chance of going all the way. Cameroon’s preparation for competitions has gone well, with wins in each of their last three matches, while Mali were narrowly beaten by Senegal last time out.

Cameroon took on Zambia in Majadahonda last weekend, where a second-minute strike from Ntep put the five-time Africa Cup of Nations winners in front. Both teams made changes during the second half and both teams saw the benefits soon after, as substitute Joel made it 2-0 to Cameroon in the seventy-first minute and Musonda pulled a goal back for Zambia six minutes later. The game itself was very even throughout and with more composure, Zambia probably would have won the game as they saw eleven of their fourteen shots fail to hit the target. Senegal and Mali went in at the break goalless in Dakar, but the sides produced three goals during the second forty-five. Mali broke the deadlock in the seventy-second minute through Traoré, but late goals from Mane and Konate saw Senegal pinch a 2-1 win.

The head to head record between these two countries and both teams performances since the tail end of last year, all points towards under 2.5 goals being scored on Friday and the game ending in a draw. Five of the six previous encounters between these two nations have produced under 2.5 goals, and Cameroon have never lost against Mali. Three of Cameroon’s and three of Mali’s last six matches have produced under 2.5 goals. Cameroon have only lost two of their last six matches, while Mali have only lost one of their last six. Cameroon have kept three and Mali have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches, which is why we’re backing a goalless draw between the pair on Friday.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the most experienced striker in the Cameroon squad with fifteen goals in fifty appearances, while Sporting’s Abdoulay Diaby and Porto’s Moussa Marega are likely to lead the line for Mali with pace and power, but have only scored a combined seven international goals in thirty-seven caps. We’re confident that under 2.5 goals will be scored in Friday’s match and have predicted a final score of 0-0. Cameroon have never lost against Mali and the two teams have seen five of their six encounters produce under 2.5 goals and each have been keeping a lot of clean sheets in their last six internationals.