AFCON 2025: Comoros vs Mali preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

As Comoros and Mali head to Casablanca for their final group fixture, the stakes couldn't be higher: a win for either side would likely punch their ticket to the Round of 16.

Comoros enter this clash sitting bottom of the group with one point, following a disciplined goalless draw against Zambia.

While they haven't yet found the back of the net in this tournament, their defensive improvement, ending a five-game streak of conceding two or more goals, gives them a platform to build on.

However, with a lengthy winless run in competitive matches, the Coelacanths must find a clinical edge to avoid an early exit.

Mali, currently second in Group A with two points, are the favourites to progress. Tom Saintfiet’s side have shown resilience by holding tournament heavyweights Morocco to a 1-1 draw.

Despite being winless in several recent matches played on foreign soil, the Eagles boast a strong recent record at AFCON, losing just once in their last seven tournament appearances.

This will be just the third meeting between these nations after Comoros were soundly beaten 3-0 in the two previous encounters.

Comoros manager Stefano Cusin has faced no manager more often than Mali’s Tom Saintfelt, losing all five. 

Comoros have a full squad to choose from, while Yves Bissouma and Hamari Traore are doubts for Mali. 

Comoros (4-3-3): Ben Boina, Bakari, M'Dahoma, Abdallah, Youssouf, M'Changama, Abdullah, I. Mohamed, Maolida, Selemani, Mahmoud.

Mali (4-3-3): Diarra, W. Coulibaly, Diaby, Fofana, Dante, Sangaré, Dieng, Haidara, Sinayoko, K. Doumbia, Dorgeles.

After reviewing our predictions, be sure to visit the Livescore Bet website to bet on your favourite games with enticing odds.

Mali are slight favourites, and we expect them to steal a narrow win and secure passage into the knockout phase.

• Mali to win

• Under 2.5 goals