Mali vs South Africa Prediction: Bafana Bafana to make Mzansi proud

Mali take on 1996 champions Bafana Bafana in their opening Group E match. It is going to be a mouth watering affair as both sides aim to start their campaign off with a win.

Here are markets to consider adding to your bet slip...

3 Way – Draw 21/10 

On paper these two sides are evenly matched. The differentiator between these two sides is coming into this match. Mali has six wins and one draw in their last seven fixtures. However, history favors South Africa who have won the last two meetings against Mali which were international friendlies. The last time they met in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was in 2014 when both teams walked away with a point from a one all draw in group A of that season’s edition.

South Africa’s form has been rocking building up to this Group E opener. They Drew with Lesotho and lost to Rwanda by 2-0. Many South African will be looking to the Mamelodi Sundowns core that this team is based on to get Bafana firing.

This game may follow the lead of the other opening games from the diverse groups in AFCON and end in a draw. the odds on the draw are sitting at 21/10. 

Both Teams to Score – Yes 23/19

Mali is in superb form now but, they are struggling to keep clean sheets. They failed to keep a clean sheet in all four of their previous fixtures. They have been involved in matches where both teams were on the score sheet in four out of their last five. Both teams have goals in them and although this match may end in a draw, one thing is for sure, it will not be a goalless affair. The odds on both these teams finding the back of the net are set at 23/19. 

1st Goal – Mali 73/100

Mali have made it a thing to get on score sheet first. They have done it in seven out of their last seven matches. Once they get in front, they always end up conceding goals. They did in their last four matches. They will come out of the block hot and fast. Bafana Bafana may find themselves playing catch up from early in the match. the odds-on Mali scoring first are set at 73/100. 

Anytime Goal Scorer – Percy Tau 37/10

A talented playmaker, Percy Tau will be carrying the hopes and dreams every South African around the world when wears the colors of Bafana Bafana in this tournament. He has been a star for Egyptian Giants Al Ahly. He has been used in several roles including, Right winger 9 times, right midfield twice, center forward twice, left midfielder twice and central midfielder twice. This speaks to his versatility and adaptability to the coach's needs. Depending on where Hugo Broos deploys the South African star, it is our assumption that he will find the back of the net. The odds on him doing that are set at 37/10.