Madagascar vs Mali Prediction & Betting Tips - World Cup

Prediction published on 10/06/2024, 23:03  by Kennedy Kechula in World Cup Predictions

Mali will be seeking to reclaim top spot in Group I when they visit Madagascar for their next World Cup qualification match. The two sides are coming from mixed results, which left Madagascar top of the group and Mali fourth. Rayan Raveloson’s brace guided Madagascar to a 2-1 win over Comoros in their last game. Playing a second straight home match, Madagascar will go into this game hoping to pull three points clear at the top of this tough pool. Going into their first ever meeting with Mali, Madagascar have a relatively good run to bank on. They’ve won four of their last six matches, though failing to score in two. Their win over Comoros marked a good recovery for them in this group. They have now won back-to-back Group I matches after their opening loss to Ghana. Madagascar have however managed just two clean sheets in 12 matches in World Cup qualification. This will not be a great run to take to a game against a team of Mali’s caliber.

Mali have dropped from top to fourth spot in this group courtesy of their first loss in these qualifiers. They led at half time against Ghana and looked on course for a home win in their last match. However complacency crept in and they conceded two second half goals to suffer their first loss in three matches, falling 2-1. A late Jordan Ayew goal ensured Ghana left with all three points, and Mali have all to do in one of the tightest groups. While they have maintained a good scoring run, Mali will be aware how a slight defensive lapse can undo a good day’s work. They saw it against Ghana as they took in their second defeat in the last 15 matches. While they have done well in recent matches, Mali have managed just four clean sheets in the last 12 outings, and that will be a concern here. They will however take motivation from having failed to score in just one of their last 15 matches.