Mali vs Ghana Women WAFCON Preview
A place in the quarter-finals is the prize as Mali face Ghana in their final Group D fixture at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Queens boast a superior record in this fixture and given their overall form at the moment, will be confident of claiming the upper hand here.
Key Stats
- Ghana have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Ghana are unbeaten in five of their last six matches against Mali.
- Mali have failed to win eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Ghana on Top
Ghana have four wins and one draw from six previous matches against Mali. The draw came in their most recent meeting as both teams battled to a 1-1 scoreline in the group stage of the last WAFCON.
Mali up and Running.
Mali got off the mark in their WAFCON campaign after claiming a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their previous fixture. They were given a stern test by the debutants but saw out the win thanks to goals from Oumou Kone, Fatoumata Niakate and Fatoumata Diarra.
It was a solid return to winning ways for Mali, who had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in their opening fixture. Les Aiglonnes are now in the mix to qualify and will secure a quarter-final berth with a win on Thursday.
Beyond the WAFCON, that result also ended a lengthy poor run for Mali, who have been below their best lately. Birama Konate's team have failed to win eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Minor Blip for Ghana
Ghana head into Thursday's clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their previous fixture. They fell behind early in the contest and could not find a way back despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances.
The Black Queens will consider that result a minor blip, having claimed a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in their opening fixture. Kim Bjorkegren's team are currently second on goal difference in the table and can qualify with a draw.
Ghana came into the WAFCON in good form and will be feeling confident heading into their final Group fixture. They are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches in all competitions, picking up six wins in this run.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Mali (3-4-3): Fatoumata Karentao; Orokia Sissoko, Teninssoun Sissoko, Marine Coudon; Fatoumata Diarra, Saratou Traore, Coumba Dembele, Aliya Diagne; Oumou Kone, Aissata Traore, Fatoumata Niakate.
Diarra scored off the bench last time out and could earn a start on Thursday. Niakate and Kone should continue in attack, having also found the net last time out, while Sissoko is expected to hold the fort in defence.
Ghana (4-2-3-1): Cynthia Konlan; Afua Bonsu Kyerewaa, Susan Duah, Portia Boakye, Benedicte Simon; Jennifer Cudjoe, Grace Asantewaa; Alice Kusi, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Evelyn Badu; Doris Boaduwaa.
Badu was a halftime substitute for Ghana last time out and could be handed a start here. Boaduwaa should lead the line once again, and Duah and Boakye are set to continue in central defence.