The match sees Mali aiming to secure their place in the group stage, while Zambia seeks to halt a four-match losing streak. The battle for midfield control, the effectiveness of wing play, and defensive focus will be key factors determining the outcome. Mali typically employs a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, with their tactics revolving around midfield dominance, coordinated attacks down the flanks, and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. In their last five matches, they've achieved three wins, one draw, and one loss, conceding only two goals, highlighting their strong defensive record, which is among the best in Africa. The defensive midfielders, Camara and Haidara, are adept at both intercepting and distributing the ball, boasting a passing accuracy exceeding 86%. On the wings, Amadou excels with his ability to break through, supported by target man Diakite, who provides a focal point in attack. Their offensive play is well-structured, with set pieces contributing to 18% of their goals. Although the absence of key player Bissouma due to injury affects the midfield strength, the core of the team remains intact, and they have considerable experience in major tournaments, having qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for ten consecutive editions, demonstrating their resilience in challenging matches. Recommendation: Zambia +0.75