Mali seek to close the gap on Group I leaders with a second straight win against Central African Republic at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco today.
Kick-off is at 4 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT) and fans can catch the action live on ORTM and ESPN.
Mali will look to build on their 3-0 win away over Comoros when they face a Central African side four points below with the second worst defense (13) in the table. The Eagles earned eight points from five matches and sit just two points off second-placed Madagascar and four points adrift from table leaders Ghana. A win could help them close in on both teams and heat up competition for a straight qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
The Central African Republic touched down in Morocco nursing the wounds of a brutal 4-1 loss to Madagascar last Wednesday, and are winless in their last five games. The Wild Cats have earned just four points from five games and languish in the wrong side of the table – just one place on top of rock-bottom Chad.
Mali’s squad is laden with world class talents like Yves Bissouma, El Bilal Toure, and Nene Dorgeles. Yet, they still have not fully realised their potential in these qualifiers, and need to show more consistency. Their win over Comoros was a good sign, and they are expected to defeat a disjointed CAR side.
Predicted Line-ups:
CAR: Youfeigane; Oualengbe, Yambéré, Gambor, Benamna; Koyalipou, Guinari, Kondogbia, Urie; Epandi, Mafouta
Mali: Diarra; Diakite, Diaby, Niakaté, Diarra; Camara, Dieng; Bissouma, Doumbia, Dorgeles; Touré
Predicted Score:
For the Central African Republic, this match is a make-or-break moment in their campaign. But given the contrast in form, Mali will be firm favorites to extend their winning streak and close the gap on the group’s front-runners.
Central African Republic 0-2 Mali
