Mali vs Tunisia Prediction
The Africa Cup of Nations meeting between Mali and Tunisia will take place on Saturday, 03.01.2026 at 11:00 PM (GMT+3) at Stade Mohamed V. This fixture pairs two sides that so far have shown contrasting outcomes in group play: Mali have accumulated three points from three matches with three draws and a goals tally of 2:2, while Tunisia have taken four points after one win, one draw and one defeat and goals 6:5. The most recent direct encounter between the teams finished 1:1, and over the last five meetings Tunisia hold a slight advantage with two wins to Mali’s one and two draws. Coaches Tom Saintfiet (Mali) and Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia) will both be seeking a result that strengthens their side’s prospects in the competition.
The fixture appears likely to be tactically cagey. Mali’s group record indicates a team difficult to beat but not prolific in attack, whereas Tunisia have produced more goals but have shown occasional defensive vulnerability. Form guides also point to a divergence in recent performance: Mali’s last five matches record one win and four draws with no defeats, emphasising solidity and a tendency toward stalemate; Tunisia have recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five, indicating greater attacking potency but less consistency. Given these elements, the match may be decided by fine margins and set-piece or transitional moments rather than sustained open play.
Check out the AFCON tips for full details on the upcoming big games in this tournament.
Main betting tip: Correct score 0-0
For bettors seeking a specific outcome with a potentially higher individual payout relative to single-market wagers, the suggested correct score is 0:0. This forecast aligns with Mali’s demonstrated ability to avoid defeats through disciplined defensive displays and an overall lack of prolific scoring, combined with Tunisia’s occasional defensive inconsistencies that may prompt them to adopt a measured approach. A goalless draw is a coherent synthesis of the trends observed in both teams’ recent form.
Betting tip 2: Both teams score? No
We recommend the Both Teams to Score market with the selection “No”. Mali’s matches in this competition have been low-scoring and defensively organised (three draws and an aggregate of two goals for and two against in group play), reflecting a side that can frustrate opponents and close space in the final third. Tunisia, while more capable going forward, have also conceded frequently at times, but the context of a cautious tactical duel on neutral ground suggests a credible possibility that one side — or both — will be limited in clear scoring chances. The “No” selection offers value in a contest where tactical pragmatism is expected to dominate.
More on the seeing goal from the both side of the pitch can be found at BTTS prediction.
Betting tip 3: Under 2.5 goals
Mali’s propensity for drawn, low-scoring affairs and Tunisia’s mixed defensive record combine to create a scenario where a low total-goals outcome is plausible. Mali’s recent matches have demonstrated an emphasis on defensive organization rather than high-volume attacking output, and Tunisia may approach the game with caution in midfield transitions to avoid costly exposures. Therefore, a match with two goals or none is within a reasonable expectation.
Statistics for Mali vs Tunisia
Mali team news!
Coach Tom Saintfiet will prepare a side that, in competition to date, has accumulated three points from three matches via three draws, with an overall goals record of 2:2. The team’s home/neutral record for the competition is recorded as 0 wins, 0 draws, 0 defeats in the supplied summary (reflecting neutral venue or group-stage context). Mali’s recent sequence — one win and four draws in their last five matches — underlines a team that is difficult to beat and inclined toward conservative, organised displays. Under Saintfiet’s guidance Mali have displayed defensive discipline and an emphasis on structure that limits opposition opportunities, even if it has limited their own goalscoring output.
Tunisia team news!
Under coach Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia have accrued four points (one win, one draw, one defeat) and a goals tally of 6:5 in group competition. The brief indicates an away record for the competition of 0 wins, 0 draws and 0 defeats, which appears to reflect the neutral or tournament venue status rather than a literal away slate. Tunisia’s last five matches show greater attacking productivity, with three wins, one draw and one defeat, demonstrating an ability to impose themselves offensively, albeit with a degree of defensive exposure. Trabelsi will likely seek to balance attack and caution to exploit Mali’s limited scoring while guarding against counter-threats.
H2H statistics
The head-to-head ledger from the last five meetings between Mali and Tunisia reads: Mali 1 win, 2 draws, Tunisia 2 wins. The most recent direct match concluded 1:1, reflecting the familiarity and competitive balance that often characterise encounters between these nations. Historically the pair have produced tight matches, and recent H2H data supports the expectation of a closely contested game.
Last results Mali
In their last five matches across all competitions Mali have recorded 1 win, 4 draws and 0 defeats. The current form reflects consistency in avoiding losses but also a marked tendency to share points, indicative of a side that prioritises defensive organisation and game management over expansive risk.
Last results Tunisia
Tunisia’s most recent five-match sequence across all competitions shows 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. This formline indicates a team capable of winning matches and producing goals, yet not immune to setbacks. The contrast with Mali’s draw-heavy run encapsulates the central tactical tension of the forthcoming fixture.
TIP: Download Instagram before you click here!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tunisia are marginal favourites on the balance of attacking potential and recent winning form, and our main recommendation for the 0-0 Scoreline. Nevertheless, Mali’s record of draws and compact defensive displays makes a low-scoring contest highly plausible. Consequently, alternative markets such as Both Teams to Score — No, and Under 2.5 Goals are credible value plays for bettors anticipating a cautious, defensively dominated encounter.
