Mali vs Eswatini Prediction and Betting Tips | 19th November 2024

Mali host Eswatini at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako on Tuesday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, having already sealed their place at next year's showpiece. They beat Mozambique 1-0 last week courtesy of a first-half strike from Kamory Doumbia that confirmed their progression.

Now, they sit atop Group I with 11 points from five games and will be looking to secure the top spot with another three-point victory this week.

Ranked 54th in the world, Tom Saintfiet's side have qualified for the AFCON tournament for the 14th time in their history and 10th time in a row. Interestingly, they've managed to achieve this despite scoring only four goals so far, but a strong defense has certainly edged them through.

On the other hand, Eswatini are still winless in their campaign, with their qualification hopes long over. The southern African nation have only two points in the bag, courtesy of draws against Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.

Ranked 160th in the world, the King's Shield have never qualified for the AFCON finals before, and their wait is now set to continue following an underwhelming campaign.

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Mali vs Eswatini Head-To-Head and Key Numbers

• Interestingly, the sides have met just once before, and that came in September during their first meeting for the ongoing AFCON qualifier; Mali won 1-0.
• The King's Shield are winless in their last 11 games. Indeed, their only win for the year came back in March during their first match of the year - a 3-0 win against Somalia.
• After conceding to Mozambique in their opening qualifier game, Mali have kept a clean sheet in their next four. Indeed, they have the joint-best defensive record in the ongoing qualifiers with five other teams.
• The Eagles are ranked 54th in the world while their opponents are 106 places below them, according to the FIFA World Rankings.

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Mali vs Eswatini Prediction

The Eagles have set an example with their stoic defensive structure while doing just enough at the other end to make the difference. They will be implementing the same blueprint here too, as the West African nation aim to round off their campaign on a high.

The King's Shield have flattered to deceive and could go down again here.

Prediction: Mali 1-0 Eswatini

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Mali vs Eswatini Betting Tips

Tip 1 - Result: Mali to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No