Mali welcome Zambia for a high-stakes international clash, with both teams eager to make a statement at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
It’s a contest between two squads looking to establish early momentum in the campaign, but with little head-to-head history and plenty of new faces on show, this fixture is wide open for punters seeking value. Mali, boasting attacking options like El Bilal Touré and a strong defensive core, are tipped as favourites, while Zambia arrive hoping to upset the odds and kickstart their run with key men such as Patson Daka in attack.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on the available odds and squad strengths, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in backing Mali to win, given their home advantage and a more established squad.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mali to Win | 4/7 @ Bet365 (63.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Backing because Mali’s squad depth and attacking options give them a decisive edge at home. |
| El Bilal Touré Anytime Goalscorer | 11/8 @ Bet365 (42.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Strong value due to Touré’s finishing and likely central role in Mali’s attack. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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Season Form & Standings
Both sides are yet to kick off their campaign, so form guides are thin. With all teams starting on zero points, early results are even more important in shaping group ambitions.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mali | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zambia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Comoros | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Potential Match-Winners
- El Bilal Touré (Mali) – A direct threat up front, Touré is tipped as Mali’s primary goal outlet and is priced at 11/8 @ Bet365 (42.1%) to score at any time.
- Hamari Traoré (Mali) – An experienced defender likely to marshal Mali’s backline and contribute going forward.
- Patson Daka (Zambia) – The leading Zambian attacking hope, Daka’s pace and finishing could trouble Mali’s defence.
- Junior Fashion Sakala (Zambia) – Brings energy and unpredictability, making him a potential game-changer from the flanks.
Head-to-head: Last 5 Meetings
These nations have met five times in their histories but only twice in recent years. Zambia have won two of those encounters, with Mali winning just once.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 23/09/22 | Mali 1-0 Zambia | Friendly |
| 27/01/16 | Zambia 0-0 Mali | African Nations Championship |
| 18/06/05 | Zambia 2-1 Mali | World Cup Qualifying |
| 19/06/04 | Mali 1-1 Zambia | World Cup Qualifying |
| 05/04/94 | Zambia 4-0 Mali | Africa Cup of Nations |
Conclusion: Final Thoughts & Best Value
Will Mali’s superior squad depth and home advantage prove too much for Zambia, or can the visitors spring a surprise? With both teams looking to establish themselves, we’re leaning towards Mali to Win at 4/7 (63.6%) with Bet365 as our top tip, with El Bilal Touré a tempting anytime scorer pick for those chasing bigger returns.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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