Tunisia take one Mali in Suez on Friday with the second round of group matches in full flow.
Mali sit at the top of Group E following their opening win over Mauritania whilst Tunisia could only manage a draw against Angola.
Tunisia took the lead in the 34th minute through Youssef Msanki. He converted from the penalty spot following a wild lunge from Angolan midfielder Paizo.
Alanyaspor forward Djalma Campos equalized for Angola in the second half to deny Tunisia a win in their AFCON 2019 opener.
The stats suggest it was a very even match. The possession was split 49/51 and both teams had 9 shots throughout the game.
Tunisia will see Mali as a much tougher opponent and they will need to up their game and improve on their performance against Angola.
Mali thrashed Mauritania 4-1 in their first match with a completely dominant display against the tournament underdogs.
They had 19 shots whilst limiting Mauritania to just 7 and will be extremely satisfied with their start to the tournament.
Abdoulay Diaby gave Mali the lead with a spectacular long-range effort. The Sporting striker picked up the ball and smashed it into the net from just outside the 18-yard box.
Moussa Marega made it 2-0 with a penalty before Adama Traore scored his side’s third with a solo run and finish into the bottom corner.
Mauritania pulled one back with a penalty of their own in the 72nd minute but Adama Traore scored his second of the game just a minute later with another incredible curling strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Mali and Tunisia’s head to head record stands at 5-3 in favor of Tunisia. They have faced each other 8 times in total with none of those matches ending in a draw.
Le classement du groupe E après cette première journée : Le Mali en tête après sa large victoire face à la Mauritanie (4-1) #CAN20191 - 🇲🇱 Mali (3pts)2- 🇦🇴 Angola (1pt)3- 🇹🇳 TUNISIE (1pt)4- 🇲🇷 Mauritanie (0 pt)— Tunisie Football (@tunisiefootball) June 24, 2019
Le classement du groupe E après cette première journée : Le Mali en tête après sa large victoire face à la Mauritanie (4-1) #CAN20191 - 🇲🇱 Mali (3pts)2- 🇦🇴 Angola (1pt)3- 🇹🇳 TUNISIE (1pt)4- 🇲🇷 Mauritanie (0 pt)
Their most recent meeting came in 2011 when Tunisia claimed a 4-2 victory in a friendly match.
These two teams are the favorites to qualify from Group E. Mali can secure a place in the round of 16 with a win on Friday whilst Tunisia will also be desperate for a win following their opening draw.
Forebet predicts a tight and low scoring match, with a 1-1 draw the most likely outcome.