Mali vs Israel Prediction Olympic 2024

⚽ Olympic Football Games 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 24 July 2024 - 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Parc des Princes (Paris)

Mali has consistently participated in the Summer Olympics since 1964, barring the 1976 Montreal games due to an African boycott. However, they've yet to secure a podium finish. Their only prior football participation in the 2004 Olympics saw them reach the quarter-finals after topping their group, setting a precedent they hope to surpass in Paris.

The Eagles secured their Olympic berth with a third-place finish at the 2023 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations. During that tournament, they lost only once in regular time (W2, D2), with penalties deciding both their semi-final exit and the third-place match. This resilience suggests that Alou Badra Diallo's squad could prove challenging for opponents.

Israel makes a return to Olympic football after a long absence, with their previous appearances dating back to 1968 and 1976. In both instances, they reached the quarter-finals, providing some historical inspiration. Their participation in Paris was secured after reaching the 2023 European Under-21 Championship semi-finals, where they fell to eventual champions England.

Coach Guy Luzon, drawing from his experience with Charlton Athletic in England, has set ambitious goals for his team, aiming to be "real contenders" rather than just participants. Israel's recent third-place finish at the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a similar squad composition could provide them with a familiarity advantage over many opponents.

Where to watch Mali vs Israel?

📺 Link to watch Mali vs Israel Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Boubacar Traoré (Mali): Wolverhampton Wanderers' midfielder who has scored in his last two appearances for the Under-23 side.
• Oscar Gloukh (Israel): RB Salzburg player who secured eight assists in his last six league matches of the previous campaign.

⚡Match Facts:

• Mali's Under-23s have lost only one of their last nine matches during regular time (W5, D3).
• Israel is making their first Olympic appearance since 1976.
• Mali topped their group in their only previous Olympic football appearance in 2004.

💡Prediction: This match pits Mali's recent consistency against Israel's ambitious return to Olympic football. Mali's resilience, evidenced by their strong performance in the Africa Cup of Nations, suggests they could be tough to break down. However, Israel's recent success at youth level and their coach's determination to make an impact could provide an edge. The experience of players like Boubacar Traoré for Mali and the creative threat of Oscar Gloukh for Israel could be decisive. Expect a closely contested match with both teams eager to start their Olympic campaign positively. A draw seems likely, with both sides potentially finding the net in a tactical encounter.

Betting Tips:

• Draw
• Both teams to score
• Under 2.5 goals in the match
• Boubacar Traoré to score anytime
• Oscar Gloukh to provide an assist