📊Preview:
 Given the clear gulf in squad depth, quality, and recent form at the highest level, Morocco are overwhelming favourites. Their odds reflect the bookmakers’ confidence, but there is value in exploring the handicap and goals markets, given Mali’s ability to exploit quick transitions.

Mali typically employ a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation and have been solid defensively, but their tendency to concede against top sides (allowing an average of nearly one goal per game in recent fixtures) could be exploited by Morocco’s attacking talent. However, Mali’s high work rate, pressing intensity, and physical style can disrupt Morocco’s rhythm, possibly resulting in set-piece opportunities at both ends.

Morocco, meanwhile, tend to dominate possession (often exceeding 60% in recent matches), show elite passing accuracy (over 80%), but have sometimes struggled to convert that pressure into goals in tight matches. Morocco’s solid defensive record suggests Mali may find opportunities limited, though their discipline and quick counterattacks help them remain competitive.

📊Team Analysis:
 Mali enter the tie unbeaten in their last several competitive matches, with notable attacking output from their wingers and strikers. Their standout recent match was a 1-1 draw with Zambia, where early pressure and swift transitions created chances, but defensive lapses late on cost them the win.

Morocco come into this fixture after a strong 2-0 win over Comoros in their opening group match. Their defense, led by key figures in the backline, has been well-organized, while creative players like Sofiane Boufal and Ayoub El Kaabi have provided attacking threat. Under coach Regragui, the team is tactically disciplined, combining experience and youth, which makes them particularly dangerous in a tournament setting.

🎯Possible Starting Lineups:
·Mali possible starting eleven
 GK: Djigui Diarra
 DF: Moussa Sissako, Fousseni Diabaté, Hamari Traoré, Moussa Sissoko
 MF: Yves Bissouma, Amadou Haidara, Cheick Doucouré, Ibrahima Traoré
 FW: Moussa Djenepo, Mady Camara

·Morocco possible starting eleven
 GK: Yassine Bounou
 DF: Noussair Mazraoui, Romain Saïss, Jawad El Yamiq, Achraf Hakimi
 MF: Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah
 FW: Sofiane Boufal, Ayoub El Kaabi, Zakaria Aboukhlal

⚽The Verdict:
 In matches where the quality gap is as wide as this, the underdog typically looks to frustrate and pounce on set-piece opportunities. Still, Morocco’s superior technical skill, experience, and depth especially from the bench are likely to tell. While Mali are capable of creating chances on the counter and might keep things tense for a period, expect Morocco’s professionalism and tactical prowess to eventually create separation.

Main pick: Morocco to win by at least two goals, with a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline well within reason.

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