Credit: page FEMAFOOT via Facebook
On the evening of Saturday January 20, the Eagles of Carthage and those of Mali drew (1-1) in Korhogo as part of the 2nd day of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. Despite this draw, the Malians remain leaders of group D.
« We expect a very high quality opponent and with the history they have with their records and in terms of their football, they are never as dangerous as when their back is against the wall so we expect a very competitive match with a very good team facing us tomorrow”predicted the Malian coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, during a press conference, a few hours before kick-off.
Entered the competition with full fire, winning their first victory (2-0) against Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the Eagles of Mali did not confirm their performance against the Tunisians, who had lost a few days earlier to Namibia (0-1).
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If the Malians were the first to unlock the score in the 10th minute of play, the Tunisians came back to the score 10 minutes later. Despite scoring opportunities on both sides, neither of the two Eagles managed to win.
The “Chelle” era
With an elusive attack and an insurmountable defense, the Malian team is more or less one of the undisputed favorites for the continental coronation this year. With young footballers who stand out in European championships (Yves Bissouma et Hamari Traoré) and African (Djigui Diarra et Aliou Dieng), the Malian team is also the melting pot of young talents (Kamory et Mamadou Doumbia).
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Credit : Femafoot Via Facebook / Kamory Doumbia elected Man of the Match Tunisia-Mali CAN 2023
The arrival of the former national team defender, Éric Sékou Chelle, at the head of the Eagles in May 2022, marks a renewal for the team. Apart from the defeat (0-1 away) against Gambia during the 3rd day of the qualifiers for this CAN, Mali has not recorded any other (including friendly matches and 2026 world qualifiers). At the end of a legendary campaign, they finished leader of Group G with 15 points (16 goals scored against 2 conceded), ahead of Gambia, Congo and Uganda.
Mali, invincible at the CAN
While waiting for their last group stage meeting against Namibia, Yves Bissouma and his teammates are consolidating their status as heavyweights in Group D. Two days before CAN, they have a victory, a draw, 4 points, 3 goals scored and a goal conceded. Author of the only Malian goal against Tunisia, AJ Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko has already scored two goals in this CAN.
On the other hand, Tunisia, which has only one point and one goal in two matches, has its destiny in hand. To secure a place in the quarter-finals, they must beat South Africa on the last day.
During the last edition, which took place in 2022 in Cameroon, Mali had missed its ticket at the last minute for the quarter-finals, against Equatorial Guinea. This surprising rout occurred after its victory (1-0) over the same Tunisian teamwho was eliminated in the group stage.
As revenge, Tunisia eliminated Mali during qualifying for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, thanks to their 1-0 victory at the March 26 stadium in Bamako. Out of 13 matches played, there are now 6 Tunisian victories against 4 Malian ones and 3 draws.
Certainly the Eagles of Carthage have the biggest victory (4-2, friendly match in 2011) and maintain their superiority over all matches, but those of Mali reverse the trend at the CAN. In four confrontations, Mali has won two (1994 and 2021) against two draws (2019 and 2023). In other words, Tunisia has never beaten Mali at the CAN!