Preview: Mali vs Comoros - prediction, team news, lineups

Mali will host Comoros at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Thursday in round seven of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers, with just three points separating the two sides in a tightly contested Group I.

The Eagles remain unbeaten at home but inconsistent overall, while the Coelacanths continue to push for a top-two finish thanks to an impressive run of wins.

Match preview

Mali enter the fixture with a mixed record of two victories, three draws and one defeat from their opening six matches.

That return places them in the chasing pack, but Tom Saintfiet’s men know they need to start converting draws into wins if they are to keep pace with leaders Ghana and surprise package Comoros.

At home, the Eagles have been steady if unspectacular, winning once, drawing once and losing once from their three qualifiers in Bamako.

They have conceded just four goals across the campaign, an average of 0.67 per game, showing defensive stability, but the issue has been at the other end, where consistency in front of goal has been lacking.

Comoros, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the standout stories of the group. They have claimed four wins from six outings, suffering only two defeats, and boast nine goals scored with seven conceded.

Away from home, the Coelacanths have split their results evenly, with one win and one loss, but the momentum of their campaign overall means they will travel to Mali with belief.

This is only the second meeting between the two nations, with Mali having won the sole previous encounter.

Stefano Cusin's men will be eager to alter that narrative as they chase what would be a landmark away result.

Mali World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

W D L L D W

Mali form (all competitions):

W L D W D L

Comoros World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

W W L W L W

Comoros form (all competitions):

W W D L L W

Team News

Mali’s 26-man squad for the September window includes key midfield figure Yves Bissouma, defensive leader Sikou Niakhate, and forward talents like Kamory Doumbia and Nene Dorgeles.

The side has a settled look, with Saintfiet expected to lean on experience in what is shaping up to be a decisive qualifier.

Comoros, however, arrive without two of their most influential players. Captain and talisman El Fardou Ben Mohamed remains sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from injury, while midfielder Yacine Bourhane has withdrawn due to personal reasons.

Both absences represent a blow, though coach Stefano Cusin will use the opportunity to test his squad depth, handing more responsibility to Faiz Selemani and Myziane Maolida in attack, while experienced midfielder Youssouf M’Changama will be tasked with providing leadership.

Mali possible starting lineup:

Diarra; Konate, Diaby, Niakhate; Bissouma, Coulibaly, K. Doumbia, Dieng, Toure; Dorgeles, Sylla

Comoros possible starting lineup:

Boina; Omari, Zahary, Z. Youssouf, M. Youssouf; M’Changama, Mohamed, Abdallah; Maolida, Selemani, Said

We say: Mali 1-0 Comoros

Mali’s defensive organisation has made them difficult to beat, but their inability to turn draws into victories has stalled progress. Comoros, despite missing two senior figures, have shown enough resilience and attacking spark to suggest they can still cause problems.

That said, the hosts’ quality in midfield and their home advantage should give them the edge in what promises to be a tight battle.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.