The Moroccans are clearly preparing to try to replicate their sensational success in Qatar, where, at the last World Cup, they became the first African team ever to reach the semi-finals. The team is currently in good form, having won the African Nations Championship in August and all eight matches in World Cup qualification. In December, they added another trophy at the Arab Cup.
Mali did not participate in the African Nations Championship—they lost to Mauritania in last year’s qualifiers. Later, in World Cup qualifying, they lost by the narrowest margin (eighteen points to Madagascar’s nineteen). Against this backdrop, a 0-0 draw with Jordan in a friendly in November can be considered a positive result.
In the opening match, the host team faced the Comoros and experienced some nerves, even missing a penalty. However, they secured a 2-0 win in the second half. The following day, Eric Chelle’s side missed out on victory against Zambia, conceding in stoppage time for a 1-1 draw.
Morocco has failed to win just one of their last eighteen matches (some were decided by penalty shootouts)
On average, South Africa scores 1.8 goals and concedes 0.8 goals per match
60% of South Africa’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.6 goals per match
Mali has won only three of their last eight matches
On average, Mali scores 1.9 goals and concedes 0.4 goals per match
20% of Mali’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.3 goals per match.
Morocco (probable lineup): Bounou – Salah-Eddine, Saïss, Aguerd, Mazraoui – Ounahi, Amrabat, El Ainaoui – Saibari, Raimi, Brahim Díaz.
Mali (probable lineup): Diarra – Dante, Fofana, Diaby, Koulibaly – Dieng, Sangaré, Dorgeles, Doumbia, Sinayoko – Touré.
