A clash between two Eagles will see Mali and Tunisia lock horns in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium.
The only side to progress to the knockouts automatically without winning a single game, Tom Saintfiet’s men finished second in Group A after drawing all three of their group-stage matches.
Mali will be aiming to go at least one step further than their quarter-final exit at the 2023 edition, making victory the clear target for the West African side.
Tunisia arrive with similar ambitions and will first be relieved to have put the disappointment of the previous tournament behind them, having exited at the group stage back then.
A draw against Tanzania on the final matchday was enough to see the Carthage Eagles finish second in the group, after opening with a win over Uganda before falling to Nigeria on matchday two, setting up what promises to be a finely balanced encounter.
How the bookies view it: Tight contest on the cards
There is little to separate the sides, with Mali priced at 15/8 and Tunisia at 29/20 on Ladbrokes, while the draw is available at 9/5, reinforcing expectations of a closely fought affair.
Recent head-to-head: Tunisia have the edge
Recent meetings between the sides have been otherwise evenly matched, with Tunisia winning two of the last six encounters, Mali claiming one victory and the remaining three ending all square.
Players to watch: Lassine Sinayoko to come up trumps?
Lassine Sinayoko has netted both of Mali’s goals at this AFCON and is one to watch, having also been directly involved in six goals across his last five appearances for club and country. Backing him to make a decisive contribution here could offer value at 2/1 with Bet365.
For Tunisia, full-back Ali Abdi has registered a goal and an assist in the group stage and could again play a key role, having found the net in each of the last three months (October, November and December).
Probable lineups
Mali will have to cope without the services of Amadou Haidara, who picked up a red card in their final group-stage encounter against Comoros. Hamari Traore remains on a rehabilitation programme within the Mali camp, while Sikou Niakate made the matchday squad last time out and Yves Bissouma featured from the off.
For Tunisia, Elias Achouri is doubtful after being forced off in the final group-stage game against Tanzania.
Mali: Diarra; W. Coulibaly, Diaby, O. Camara, Gassama; Bissouma, Sangaré; Nene, Doumbia, Camara; Sinayoko
Tunisia: Dahmen; Abdi, Talbi, Bronn, Valery; Skhiri, Gharbi, Mejbri; Achouri, Tounekti, Mastouri
Anything else that catches the eye?
Mali have drawn each of their last four matches, while five of their previous eight AFCON games have ended level, and the trend suggests this tie could extend beyond regulation time.
Nene Dorgeles has registered a shot on target in both of his starts at this AFCON, so he could repeat the feat here, with the option offering strong value at 23/20 on Betano.
Eight of Tunisia’s last 10 matches have seen both teams score, which also aligns with three of Mali’s last five games producing goals at both ends.
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