Mali vs Ivory Coast prediction 03.02.2024

• Competition: Africa Cup of Nations
• Date: Saturday, 3rd February 2024
• Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CET
• Venue: Stade de la Paix (Bouaké)

Mali is still without a title at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their biggest success came in 1972 when they lost in the final against today's Republic of Congo. Since then, Mali has had five semifinal appearances as their best results. This year, the journey wasn't easy either, but Mali reached the quarterfinal phase without a defeat. In the 1/8 final, Eric Chelle's team won 2-1 versus Burkina Faso. The teams were pretty even in that game, but eventually, Mali did just enough to record another hard-fought victory.

Ivory Coast won two Africa Cup of Nations titles (in 1992 and 2015). In the previous three championships, Ivory Coast reached only one quarterfinal, but now they could win against Mali and make another step toward a third title. Ivory Coast disappointed their fans as they lost two matches in the group phase, but Emerse Fae's team still found a way to the knockout phase with a win against Guinea Bissau. In the 1/8 final, Ivory Coast matched with Senegal, who was regarded as the best African team by many pundits. Still, Ivory Coast forced a draw and, in the end, found the way to the quarterfinal via a penalty shootout. After such a victory, Ivory Coast should regain their confidence ahead of the game versus Mali. 

Mali vs Ivory Coast pick: Under 2.5 goals

Most of the matches for both teams were low-scoring in this tournament. Actually, both teams went under 2.5 goals in three of four games. Under 2.5 goals should be the safest betting option for this close tie.