Betdistrict.com
Ivory Coast and Mali square off today in the African Cup of Nations Group D, a crucial matchup in a group where all teams are tied with 1 point and 1-1 goal difference.
The Elephants have been awful lately, not looking good coming into this tournament and they confirmed the pesimistic expectations with a 1-1 draw against arguably the weakest team in the group, Guinea. Ivory Coast always struggled to create cohesion and chemistry between their group of individual stars, but right now it`s looking worse than ever, particularly on the offensive end – Ivory Coast scored just 2 goals in the last 5 matches, winning just once, an ugly 1-0 friendly victory over Nigeria. They entered the African Cup of Nations on the back of a 2-0 defeat against a divisionary Sweden side.
Mali did not look bad at all against Cameroon, almost escaping with a 1-0 win, but they were equalized late in the game. They showed some very good attacking football and will rely on this tactic against Ivory Coast as well – it might be a good matchup against the inconsistent Elephants. Mali is led by Roma’s Seydou Keita and has a pretty decent squad with guys playing at good teams all over Europe.
Bet now on Ivory Coast vs. Mali with the highest handicap odds at Pinnacle Sports!
Team news & lineups:
Gervinho is suspended after a red card against Guinea and hiss absence from the lineup will be a big blow for Ivory Coast. Mali has a full squad to choose from.
Ivory Coast: Gbohouo – Aurier, K. Toure, Bailly, Kanon – Die, Tiote – Kalou, Y. Toure, Gradel – Bony
Mali: S. Diakite – D. Diakite, Coulibaly, Wague, Tamboura – Sylla, Keita, N’Diaye – S. Yatabare, M. Yatabare, Sako
Ivory Coast simply doesn’t look willing or able to have a good tournament here or at least play good football, so I expect them to struggle again against Mali. Their offense has been awful and without their best attacking player Gervinho they might have big problems to break down a very good defensive side. On the other hand, Mali’s counterattacking style is exactly what you need to punish Ivory Coast – look for Mali to defend well and escape on very dangerous breaks. Look for Mali to get at least a point here with tactical consistency, cohesion and speed on counters. My tip is Mali +0,5 handicap. Prediction: Ivory Coast – Mali 0-1.
Pick: Mali (+0,5 handicap)
Odds: 2.06 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 7.42
Event date: 24 January
