These two nations have faced each other five times since 2021, and every single one of those meetings finished with Under 2.5 Goals. This consistent trend highlights how cautious and defensively structured their encounters tend to be.

Mali have continued that approach throughout this AFCON. None of their three group-stage matches produced a high number of goals, as their primary focus remains defensive stability. Their tactical setup, often relying on a single striker in Sinayoko, limits their attacking output but makes them difficult to break down.

Tunisia, meanwhile, have been involved in matches with goals recently, but they have also shown a willingness to play for a result when needed.

That was evident in their 1:1 draw against Tanzania, where they opted for control rather than risk.