Central African Republic vs Mali prediction and betting tips on March 24, 2025
Game Prediction
In Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Central African Republic welcome Mali to Morocco for Matchday 6. An important match between two low-ranked teams looking to revive their hopes of qualification.
Central African Republic vs Mali key stats and trends
- The first meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw
- Central African Republic lost their last 5 games, conceding 16 goals and conceding just one.
- The hosts have lost 3 of their 5 matches in this qualifying campaign.
- They have also conceded 2.6 goals in their matches.
- Central African Republic lost 3 of their last 5 home matches
- Mali won 4 and drew one of their previous 5 matches
- Over the same period, the Eagles have scored an average of 2.2 goals, or 11 goals against 1 conceded.
Central African Republic vs Mali recent form
The Central African Republic is still waiting for its first appearance at an African Cup of Nations finals and a World Cup. The local team qualified for the African championship for the first time in 2024, a sign that football is making progress in the country. The team has got off to a poor start in the qualifying competition for the 2026 World Cup, having already lost 3 times, and is in 5th place.
Opposite them is Mali. One of the leading football nations on the African continent. Mali will be making its 14th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Eagles were finalists in 1972 in Cameroon and reached the semi-finals 4 times. Tom Sainfiet arrived in August 2024 as head coach and can count on a quality squad. But he and his soldiers got off to a poor start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In Group I, where they were expected to play a leading role alongside Ghana, they are a disappointing 4th after 5 rounds, with 8 points, 4 fewer than the Black Stars.
Form
- Central African Republic: L L L L L
- Mali: W D W W W
Injury and team news
The Fauves' squad has a number of key players returning for the international break, including Geoffrey Kondongbia and Goduine Koyalipou. Donald Benamna, Calvin Bombo, Samuel Nlend, Zesley Ngakoutou, Gabriel Oualengbe and Jacob Youmbi are called up for the first time. They provide depth and variety for coach Eloge Enwa-Yamissi.
Mali's squad is complete. Tom Sainfiet has given his first call-up to Mustapha Sangaré, the 26-year-old striker who plays for Levski Sofia in Bulgaria.
Predicted line-ups
Central African Republic possible line-up: Youfeigane-Gambor-Cédric-Guinari-Benamna-Gabriel-Youmbi-Kondongbia-Axel-Koyalipou-Matoufa
Mali possible line-up: Djigui-Moussa-Niakaté-Diaby-Diakitéè-Dieng-Camara-Nene-Doumbia-Bissouma-Bilal
Central African Republic vs Mali pre-game, odds and win probability
There is a big gap between the two teams and the bookmakers recognise this. Mali are overwhelming favourites to win all three at 68% to 1.4. The possibility of a Central African Republic victory is estimated at just 11% and sold at 8.9. A draw could happen at 21% for odds of 4.45.
Correct score prediction: Central African Republic 0-3 Mali
The Central African Republic are conceding a lot of goals and are very uninspired to score any. Against Mali we see them lose by a large score.
Players to watch: Mafouta and Nene
Louis Mafouta is shining in the French Ligue 2 this season. He has played 27 games for Amiens and scored 7 goals.
Nene Dorgelès came to the fore at the last AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire. Scoring last Thursday against the Comoros, the Red Bull Salzburg striker has quickly become an essential player in Mali's attack since making his debut in March 2022. At club level, he has been involved in 8 goals in 20 appearances this season.
Expert tip: Mali to win and both teams to score «no»
In this match, we don't see the Central African Republic scoring against a team that has only conceded one goal in its last 5 matches. This bet is worth 1.53 for 61%.
Follow the World Cup qualification standings in Africa and learn about your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.