WCQ: Mali look to upset Tunisia again

Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba talks to his players during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Mar 24, 2022. 14:00

Mali will face off with Tunisia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification – third-round – first-leg match on Friday.

Kick-off is at 7:00 pm CAT.

The encounter is set to take place at the Stade du 26 Mars in the capital of and largest city in Mali, Bamako.

The Eagles progressed to this stage of qualification after winning Group E having won five out of six games in the group stage.

Mali then managed to reach the Round of 16 at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon where they were beaten by Equatorial Guinea on penalties.

Mali have never qualified for the World Cup finals, but they are looking to change this and book their spot in this year’s showpiece which will be hosted by Qatar.

Meanwhile, Tunisia advanced to the third round of qualifying after finishing at the top of Group B having made a great start – winning their first three games.

The Carthage Eagles then took part in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals where they reached the quarter-finals, but they were eliminated by Burkina Faso.

Tunisia are looking to make their second consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals having taken part in the 2018 edition in Russia.

In the Head-to-Head record, Mali and Tunisia will meet for the 13th time.

The Carthage Eagles have the upper hand having won six matches compared to the Eagles’ five victories while one game ended in a stalemate.

Their last meeting ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Mali in the 2021 AFCON Group F game on January 12.