These two nations met for the very first time during World Cup qualifying earlier this year, Mali winning both encounters, prevailing 3-0 both times.
Comoros vs Mali preview
Neither of these two nations have managed a victory at this Africa Cup of Nations thus far, but the winners here will reach the knockout stages, meaning it is do or die for both in Casablanca.
Mali have managed a pair of 1-1 draws thus far, first taking the lead through Lassine Sinayoko a week ago, only for Zambia to snatch a stoppage time equaliser. Then, on Friday night, Sinayoko was the scorer again, this time converting a second half penalty as the Eagles earned a credible 1-1 draw with Morocco in Rabāṭ, ending the host's 19-match winning streak, a world record.
Mali are competing at a tenth successive Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in both 2012 and 2013, as well as the quarter-finals at last year's edition, their run ended by eventual winners Côte d'Ivoire. The Eagles have only crashed out in the group stages twice across their last seven AFCON appearances, so it would be a major failure if Tom Saintfiet's team were to exit at this stage, needing a victory at Stade Mohammed V on Monday night to guarantee their passage into the last 16.
Comoros meantime also must win, making this such an intriguing encounter. The Coelacanths were involved in the tournament's opening match, beaten 2-0 by Morocco at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, despite the fact that Yannick Pandor saved a first half spot-kick. Then, on Boxing Day, Stefano Cusin's side drew 0-0 with Zambia, a result that does not really help either team.
Of all 54 CAF members, only three have a smaller population than Comoros' estimated 850,000, namely Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe and Seychelles. Thus, it was an historic achievement when the Coelacanths qualified for a first-ever AFCON in 2022, beating Ghana in Garoua in their final group game to reach the knockouts, before being narrowly ousted by hosts Cameroon, despite being forced to field left-back Chaker Alhadhur in goal. Well, if Comoros are to repeat that historic run to the last 16, they require another dramatic final day victory, so can they upset the odds in Casablanca?
Comoros vs Mali head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Comoros Wins: Zero. Draws: Zero. Mali Wins: 2.
Comoros team news
Stefano Cusin switched to a back three against Zambia on Friday, having deployed a four in Comoros' opener, so it'll be interesting to see what he goes for here.
Either way, midfielder Youssouf M'Changama will captain his country, winning his 77th cap, and failure to win this one could make it the 35 year old's final AFCON outing.
Comoros predicted lineup vs Mali: (3-4-1-2): Pandor; Toibibou, Soilihi, Boura; Bakari, Bourhane, Youssouf, Abdallah, M'Changama; Maolida, Saïd.
Comoros player to watch vs Mali
Rafiki Saïd has scored eight times in just 16 international appearances, netting against Chad, Kosovo and Madagascar in 2025, so can he bag the most important goal of the lot here?
Mali team news
Tom Saintfiet's team picked up eight yellow card against Morocco on Friday, so could be faced with a raft of suspensions in the knockouts, should they get through, but do not have any here.
Ousmane Camara and Nathan Gassama both came into defence for that game, while captain Yves Bissouma also started, his first minute at all this season, having not featured for Tottenham since May due to a knee injury.
Mali predicted lineup vs Comoros: (4-5-1): Diarra; Coulibaly, Diaby, Camara, Gassama; Coulibaly, Dieng, Bissouma, Sangaré, Doumbia; Sinayoko.
Mali player to watch vs Comoros
Lassine Sinayoko has scored both of Mali's goals at this Cup of Nations, having also scored three times during the 2023 edition, so can the Auxerre forward fire the Eagles into the knockouts.
Comoros vs Mali prediction
With both needing a win at Stade Mohammed V, expect a nervy affair in Casablanca, but we are backing Mali to, just about, have enough quality to get the job done: Comoros 1-2 Mali.
Comoros vs Mali FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Comoros vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Comoros vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Comoros vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Comoros vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Comoros vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Comoros vs Mali takes place on Monday 29 December 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).