Recommended bets
[RECOMMENDED_BETS]
First leg score: Mali 0-1 Tunisia.
Mali’s only victory against Tunisia in Tunisia came in the opening game of AFCON 1994, a 2-0 victory.
Under 2.5 goals is 1/2.
Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score NO is 4/6.
Tunisia to win and both teams to score NO is 11/4.
Match preview
After Friday’s first leg at Stade du 26 Mars, it’s Tunisia who are firmly in control of this tie.
In the 36th minute, he scored a calamitous own goal, attempting to play it back to Ibrahim Mounkoro but merely firing into his own net.
Then, mere moments later, Seifeddine Jaziri raced through on goal and it was adjusted that Sissako had pulled him down.
So, in the space of just four minutes, the Standard Liège defender had scored an own goal and then been dismissed.
Despite being a man down, Mali pushed for a second half equaliser, with Adama Traoré going close, but it wasn’t to be so 1-0 it finished in Bàmakɔ̌.
Tunisia were firm favourites when the draw was made and that has only been enhanced by the first leg result.
So, the Eagles of Carthage just need to avoid defeat at home to qualify for back-to-back World Cups and a sixth overall.
This seems likely as they’ve lost none of their last 27 competitive home games, winning 23, last tasting defeat at home to Botswana on 1 July 2010.
Mali meanwhile need a big turnaround if they’re to qualify for the World Cup for the very first time.
There certainly is hope for Mohamed Magassouba’s men who beat Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations 76 days ago.
Nevertheless, particularly with the away goals rule in operation, the home side are overwhelming favourites.
Will it be a night for the home fans to celebrate at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi?
Tunisia team news
Jalel Kadri is only in caretaker charge right now but got is tactics right in Mali so isn’t likely to change too much.
Experienced midfielder Ferjani Sassi was left on the bench in the first leg which was a bit of a surprise.
But, Ghailene Chaalali, Aïssa Laïdouni and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane could all keep their places as the midfield trio.
Manchester United’s Hannibal Mejbri, who’s already won 11 caps despite being a teenager, will remain an option off the bench.
Youssef Msakni and Seifeddine Jaziri, who was the top-scorer at the recent FIFA Arab Cup, will continue to be the main goal threats.
Mali team news
Moussa Sissako is suspended after his red card in the first leg, meaning Mamadou Fofana will come in alongside Boubakar Kouyaté at centre-back.
In midfield, Abdoulaye Doucouré made his senior international debut, alongside Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma.
These three could be chosen again, although Diadie Samassékou, Lassana Coulibaly and Mohamed Camara are all viable alternatives.
FC Sheriff’s Adama Malouda Traoré could come in to strengthen the forward line, partnering Ibrahima Koné who’s scored 11 international goals to date.
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