Mali will take on Gambia in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F match at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium on Sunday.
Kick-off is at 13h00 GMT.
The Eagles secured an impressive 1-0 win over Tunisia in their opening group match that was prematurely halted by the referee.
The match was also a tale of two penalties as Mali forward Ibrahima Kone converted his attempt, but Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri could not follow suit as his effort was saved by goalkeeper Ibrahima Mounkoro 13 minutes from time.
Mali are currently placed second on the Group F standings and a win over tournament debutants, Gambia would see the 1972 AFCON runners-up move closer to qualifying for the knockout phase.
The Eagles coach, Mohammed Magassouba, has stressed the importance of their clash against The Gambia, as they have put their eyes on the top prize.
“We demystified the match, we managed with rationality the occupation of the field, the transmissions. Of course the ambition is to get the cup, we say it with humility, wishful thinking,” the gaffer told CAF Online.
Meanwhile, Gambia secured their first win in the tournament when they beat Mauritania 1-0 with Ablie Jallow’s first half goal earning all the points for the Scorpions.
Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet is hopeful that his side can build on their showing against their West African counterparts by claiming their second Afcon win.
“We were the little thumbs, the outsiders, a small country but with quality players, competitors at heart. We will try to win each match, by not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves,” said the Gambia coach.
“We are realistic, the second game will be even more disputed. We won our first historic AFCON match. It’s amazing what happens to us when we look in the rearview mirror”.
Mali are currently ranked at 53rd place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, while the Gambia occupy 150th spot.
