Mali out to continue South Sudan dominance

Mali will host South Sudan in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group G match at Stade du 26 Mars on Friday.

Kick-off is 9:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Eagles secured a 2-0 win over Congo-Brazzaville away on 18 June as they returned to winning ways after recording their first defeat in the group against The Gambia in March 2023.

Mali, who have already qualified for the 2023 Afcon finals, are placed at the top of the Group G standings – three points clear of second-placed Gambia who will host Congo on 10 September.

Meanwhile, South Sudan succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to The Gambia at home on 14 June as the East African side recorded their second successive defeat in the group.

The Bright Stars are placed fourth in the Group G standings with the East African side’s hopes of qualifying for the Afcon finals having faded away despite winning one game.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Mali head coach Eric Chelle

“Discussions are underway with the player to bring him to the selection,” Chelle said when asked about Abdoulaye Doucouré after announcing the squad to face South Sudan.

The last time Doucouré played for Mali was against Tunisia in March 2022 in a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier.

South Sudan head coach Stefano Cusin

“Saturday 2nd September, preparation training for the match against Mali and Kenya,” Cusin said.

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“We have a very young but ambitious team. Bright Stars.”

Head-To-Head

Mali and South Sudan have met five times across all competitions.

The Eagles have dominated this rivalry having won all five matches against the Bright Stars.

Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 away win in favour of Mali in June 2022 in a 2023 Afcon qualifier.