As Mali hosts the Central African Republic at Stade du 26 Mars on Sunday, they will be aiming to win four straight games.
On the other hand, the away team is travelling to Bamako with the goal of reviving their World Cup qualification campaign after their previous outing ended in defeat.
Mali began their 2026 World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion on Thursday night, defeating Chad 3-1 with ease.
Kamory Doumbia gave Eric Chelle’s team the lead just before halftime, but Marius quickly pulled one back. Youssoufou Niakate and Ibrahima Sissoko then scored to seal the victory.
As a result, Les Aigles has won five of their last six games overall and each of their past three games.
Next up for them is a rival team that sits an astounding 80 spots lower in the most recent FIFA rankings of national teams.
The visitors, who are currently enjoying a run of four straight victories in front of their supporters, will enter the game on home ground on Monday feeling confident.
The tremendously exciting match between Central African Republic and Comoros resulted in a 4-2 loss at Stade de Moroni on Thursday.
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Raoul Savoy’s team gave up four goals without responding to Kassim M’Dahoma, Benjaloud Youssouf, Rafiki Said, and Myziane Maolida until Younn Zahary gave them a one-goal lead. The first goal came via an own goal by Akim Abdallah.
The Wild Beasts had won two straight before this setback, making it their third straight loss in all competitions.
Prior to their meeting on Monday, the visitors have lost all but one of their previous seven away games. They will be looking to change that trend.
After being pulled off due to an injury scare shortly after the half-hour mark in the loss to Comoros, Michael Yangao is doubtful for the Central African Republic in this match.
In the event that Yangao is judged unfit to play, the favourite to be called back into the starting lineup for the home team is 22-year-old Isaac Bomawoko.
Youssoufou Niakate and Ibrahima Sissoko, who impressed last time out when they came off the bench, will both be vying for a spot in the Mali starting lineup.
The forward to watch here is Kamory Doumbia, who has scored four goals in his first five games for the hosts.
Mali possible starting lineup:
Diawara; Traore, Kouyate, Niakate, Haidara; Dieng, Doucoure, Camara, Sinayoko; Doumbia, Diabate
Central African Republic possible starting lineup:
Youfeigane; Yapende, Ndobe, Guinari, Yangao; Baboula, Kondogbia, Youga, Majouga; Koyalipou, Mafouta
Our Prediction 2-1 won by Mali