ISRAEL have been shining on the youth stage in recent years but will play their Olympic opener with Mali under a cloud due to ongoing protests over the conflict in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Football Association wanted the Israelis to be sanctioned and banned on the grounds of human rights and humanitarian law violations committed in the Gaza Strip but FIFA have cleared them to play in Paris.
Fw teams at the Games will have the motivation of the Israelis and they will be out to silence the snipers by going far into the tournament.
There's plenty of reason to be optimistic as well, given Israel finished in third place at the Under-20 World Cup last year and have a talented group of players.
But they're in a tough group alongside Mali, Japan and Paraguay, with the African nation up first at the Parc des Princes.
Mali came third at the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations so they will be represent a tough challenge in the group opener.
Every game in this group should be keenly contested and if either side can emerge with a win it would leave them in a strong position to qualify.
How the bookies view it: Israel the outsiders
This is a tough one to call as there's not much between the teams so I'm surprised to see Israel as Betfred's 2/1 outsiders. Mali are 5/4 for the win and the draw will be popular with punters at 21/10.
Head to head: New ground broken
These nations have never faced off before so this match will go down in history.
Players to watch: Abada out to put troubled times behind him
The most recognisable player in the Israeli squad is former Celtic winger Liel Abada. The conflict in the Middle East effectively ended his Hoops career due to a section of the Parkhead fanbase showing vocal support for Palestine. Abada moved to the MLS in January and is now getting his confidence back at Charlotte FC so he will be a threat to Mali.
Demba Diallo is one of the overage players in the Mali team, although only just as he turns 24 in October. The striker plays for Turkish club Manisa and has scored once in seven outings for the senior Mali side.
Probable line-ups
Mali have a few English-based players in their side, with Wolves midfielder Boubacar Traore and Huddersfield forward Brahima Diarra set to feature.
Israel have called up mainly home-based players, with only Abada, Oscar Gloukh, Stav Lemkin and Omri Gandelman playing overseas.
Mali: Diarra, Doucoure, Tounkara, Cisse, H Diallo, Traore, Jiddou, Sissokho, D Diallo, Diarra, Diakite.
Israel: Nir'on, Feingold, Goldberg, Lemkin, Revivo, Gandelman, Azoulay, Gloukh, Abada, Davida, Turgeman.
Anything else catch the eye?
Group openers can often be cagey with both sides scared of losing. That makes the half-time draw appealing at 21/20 with Betfred while going for under 2.5 goals could also pay off, although the odds aren't great at just 8/13.
Going for most goals to come after the break also looks a shrewd move as the teams get to know each other and that bet pays 21/20.
This Olympics match between Mali and Israel will be played on Jul 24, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Mali vs Israel prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
