Morocco vs Mali Prediction: Hosts to continue winning start

Host nation Morocco continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Boxing Day (20:00, live on 4seven) with a Group A clash against Mali.

Morocco’s pre-tournament 25-match unbeaten run of form was extended to 26 in their opening game as they enjoyed a 2-0 win over Comoros. Mali, on the other hand, could only share the spoils with Zambia in their opener. Read on for my Morocco vs Mali predictions, as well as the latest odds and team news.

Team News

Morocco defender Romain Saiss was forced off through injury in their opening game meaning that he's a doubt for Friday, while Lille striker Hamza Igamane is also missing for the host nation.

Walid Regragui has said he needs to be 'very careful' with star man Achraf Hakimi as the Paris Saint-Germain defender continues to recover from an ankle injury, so Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui is expected to start in his place once again.

As for Mali, RB Leipzig man Amadou Haidara is pushing for a starting role, while Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is currently battling an injury and is expected to miss out again here.

Kamory Doumbia will lead the line alongside El Bilal Toure, Djigui Diarra is expected to start between the sticks, and the rearguard is likely to be Amadou Dante, Woyo Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Diaby and Mamadou Fofana.

Morocco vs Mali Odds

Morocco are heavy favourites for this encounter at 8/15, giving them an implied win probability at 65.2%; the draw is 11/4, and Mali are 6/1.

Both teams to score can be backed at 11/8 and over 2.5 goals is 5/4.

Morocco to win and under 2.5 goals @ 15/8

Morocco made the perfect start to their Afcon tournament with a convincing 2-0 win over Comoros and I'm expecting them to continue their fine form against Mali.

The host nation have gone over a year without tasting defeat, and they've scored twice in their last three matches. However, they're facing a disciplined Mali outfit on Friday, who haven't conceded more than once in their last 18 fixtures.

I'm still backing Morocco to come out on top but Mali are likely to make it a difficult contest.

Brahim Diaz to score anytime @ 5/2

I'm surprised to see Brahim Diaz odds-against to net anytime considering his record in qualifying and the fact that he scored in the opening game against Comoros.

The Real Madrid man averaged a goal every 33 minutes in qualifying, and with him getting off the mark for the tournament last time out, I'm backing him to add to his tally here.

Click here for the latest Football Odds and Today's Football Fixtures