The Africa Cup of Nations is heating up with the ultimate standings in Group E set to be decided this week. Mali is about to face off in opposition to Namibia at Stade Laurent Pokou on Wednesday night.
This match is essential for each groups as they battle for the highest spot within the group. Namibia is seeking to safe a spot within the final 16, whereas Mali hopes to proceed their unbeaten run and safe qualification.
Match Preview:
Namibia pulled off one of many largest upsets of the competitors on matchday one once they claimed a historic victory in opposition to Tunisia.
Though they slumped to a 4-0 defeat in opposition to South Africa on matchday two, they’re nonetheless effectively in rivalry for a spot within the final 16.
Mali, alternatively, is the one undefeated staff within the group after securing 4 factors from their first two matches.
Of their final eight AFCON tournaments, The Eagles have been eradicated from the group phases on 4 events, whereas within the final two tournaments, they have been eradicated within the Spherical of 16.
Nonetheless, based mostly on their performances this 12 months, Eric Chelle’s aspect wants only a draw or higher right here and will probably be filled with confidence in getting the end result they want, having crushed Namibia in 4 of their six encounters whereas solely dropping as soon as.
Staff Information:
Peter Shalulile will possible lead the road for Namibia on Wednesday night after absolutely shaking off the damage that threatened his participation within the competitors.
Absalom Iimbondi and Petrus Shitembi could begin on the bench, with Bethuel Muzeu and Ngero Katua probably changing them within the first 11.
With no new damage considerations to report, Chelle is prone to deploy an analogous beginning lineup to at least one that held Tunisia to a 1-1 draw with Lassine Sinayoko and Sekou Koita main the road in a 4-3-1-2 formation.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is predicted to return to the beginning 11 and can present protection for the central defensive pairing of Boubakar Kouyate and Braga’s Sikou Niakate.
Namibia’s Africa Cup of Nations kind is a win and a loss, however their current kind in all competitions is three wins, two attracts, and two losses.
Mali’s AFCON kind is a win and a draw, whereas their current kind in all competitions is three wins, two attracts, and a loss.
Potential Lineups:
Namibia potential beginning lineup: (4-1-4-1)
Kazapua;
Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanamub;
Petrus;
Muzeu, Katua, Tjiueza, Hotto;
Shalulile
Mali potential beginning lineup: (4-3-1-2)
Diarra;
Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko;
Dieng, Bissouma, Haidara;
Doumbia;
Sinayoko, Koita
Prediction: Namibia 1-1 Mali
Mali has been one of many shock packages on this competitors and appears set to qualify for the final 16 after two optimistic performances so far.
Namibia was humbled final day trip however confirmed sufficient to recommend they don’t seem to be out of the competitors but. We predict a nail-biting match with nothing to separate these sides on the ultimate whistle.
Key Gamers to Watch:
Peter Shalulile (Namibia), Lassine Sinayoko (Mali), Sekou Koita (Mali)
Previous Encounters:
Mali has crushed Namibia in 4 of their six encounters whereas solely dropping as soon as.