Mali and Zambia clash for the second time in four days on Monday, as the two African nations look to build momentum ahead of the upcoming fixtures in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification in March. But, which team will go into those fixtures with victory in this friendly on Monday?
International Friendly Preview
Zambia should be the more confident side coming into this fixture on Monday, as they have been in solid form throughout 2022. They were recently crowned winners in the COSAFA Cup, as they beat Namibia 1-0 in the final. They won every fixture on their way to winning that competition, although one victory was achieved via penalty shootout in the quarterfinals against Botswana.
Their latest fixture was the victory in the COSAFA Cup final, as an own goal from Edward Maova was eventually enough to seal their place in the history books with a famous honour. Zambia also started their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in decent form, as they have picked up one win from the two games that they have played to sit second in the standings.
Mali have enjoyed an even stronger start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, as they have won both fixtures that they have played. In total, they have scored seven goals and have conceded just once in the fixtures that they have played.
However, they come into this fixture in slightly indifferent form. They are yet to win a match in three attempts since their victory against South Sudan in June. They have been held to draws in each of their last two fixtures, while they were also beaten by Mauritania in August.
Mali vs Zambia Head to Head
The overall record certainly favours Zambia coming into this fixture, as they haven’t lost in five fixtures against Mali. During that run, they have recorded two victories, while three matches have ended in draws. The latest fixture between the nations came in January 2016, as the sides played out a 0-0 draw.
Mali vs Zambia Prediction
This is a very difficult fixture to call, as both sides make very strong claims to win the match. Therefore, we could see a fourth draw between the nations being the most likely outcome, and a 1-1 scoreline would be our preferred selection on Monday.
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