Malivs.Mauritania

Both sides will take to the pitch for the first time since participating in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as the Lions of Chinguetti will hope to extend their unbeaten run over the Eagles.

Match preview

Mali head into their first match post-AFCON, looking to move on from their quarter-final exit in the competition.

The Eagles left the tournament in a heart-breaking manner, conceding a late goal in extra-time stoppage time to lose 2-1 against hosts and eventual winners Ivory Coast.

Eric Chelle's side have not lost any game in 90 minutes since the turn of the year, playing six matches, including five at the last AFCON tournament.

The last time Mali played an international friendly match, they won 6-2 against Guinea Bissau, but their recent record against Mauritania leaves some doubt about another victory on Friday.

The Eagles have lost twice and drawn once in their last three meetings with the Lions of Chinguetti. However, they have met 11 times, with Mali losing three times, winning four times and drawing the other four.

Mauritania also participated in the 2023 AFCON, but their campaign ended in the round of 16 when they lost 1-0 to Cape Verde.

Amir Abdou's side managed just one win throughout the competition, a 1-0 victory over Algeria, but they left their group as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

The Lions of Chinguetti have played five times this year, with four of those games coming during the AFCON and the other being a goalless draw against Tunisia before the competition.

Having never lost a friendly match against Mali, Mauritania will be hoping to extend this run to three successive matches.

Mali friendly form:

W

Mali form (all competitions):

W

W

D

D

W

L

Mauritania friendly form:

D

Mauritania form (all competitions):

D

D

L

L

W

L

Team News

For Mali, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma, arguably the country's most popular player, is missing from the squad.

Cadiz CF's Diadie Samassekou is expected to take his place in the starting line up alongside Lassana Coulibaly and Amadou Haidara.

In attack, Lassine Sinayoko, who was the country's leading scorer at the AFCON with three goals, is expected to start.

Aboubakary Koita is expected to be Mauritania's main man in attack - the 26-year-old scored twice during the AFCON, the most by anyone in Abdou's side.

Mali possible starting lineup:

Diarra; H. Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Sacko; Coulibaly, Samassekou, Haidara; Doumbia; A. Traore, Sinayoko

Mauritania possible starting lineup:

Niasse; Keita, El Abd, Ba, Abeid; Gassama; Bouna, Thiam, Mouhsine, Koita; Anne

We say: Mali 1-1 Mauritania

This friendly might end in a draw. Both teams will likely play cautiously, avoiding defeat even if it's just an exhibition game. Mali's missing their star player in Bissouma which hurts their offensive power, while Mauritania have an incentive to keep their unbeaten run going.

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