Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Mali Clash against Equatorial Guinea in AFCON


Wed 26 Jan 2022 | 07:00 PM
Mohamed Helba

The final round-of-16 clash of the Africa Cup of Nations sees Mali and Equatorial Guinea go head to head at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium on Wednesday.

The National Thunder are capable of causing a few upsets following their impressive group stage run, while the Malians will be seeking to move one step closer to conquering the continent for the first time in their history.

Kone has scored in each of Mali's opening three games — albeit all from the penalty spot — and we expect the 22-year-old forward to spearhead the attack once again.

Moussa Djenepo is back available for selection after missing the game against Mauritania through suspension for picking up a second consecutive yellow card in the game against Gambia on January 16.

With that said, we expect the Southampton midfielder to return to the fold and team up with Adama Traore and Brighton and Hove Albion man Yves Bissouma in midfield.

Meanwhile, Dorian Hanza is a doubt for Equatorial Guinea after the 20-year-old forward was hooked off with a 75th minute injury against Sierra Leone last time out.

Following a solid defensive display in their last two outings, we expect Micha to name an unchanged back four on Wednesday, meaning we could see Basilio Ndong, Saul Coco, Estaban Orozco and Carlos Akapo shielding Jesus Owono between the sticks for the third game running.