Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Thursday’s World Cup qualifier at Stade Adrar pits together Mali and Kenya, the two teams who are vying for top position in Group E. Mali are eyeing their second win of the process as they defeated Rwanda 1-0 in their opener, but they will have to prove their worth on the field. Sheriff Tiraspol attacker Adama Traore, who has been in a splendid form of late, is widely expected to return to the starting XI.
Kenya, on the other hand, head into the match following back-to-back draws with Uganda and Rwanda. A man to watch in the away team will be Michael Olunga, while all Faruk Shikhalo, Abud Omar, Ovella Ochieng, Joash Onyango, and Ismael Gonzalez return to the squad. Anyhow, home win should be considered as the Harambee Stars are not regarded as good travelers.
Highlighted Player (Moussa Doumbia):
A Malian midfielder Moussa Doumbia has been with Russian side FK Rostov since 2014. The 22-year-old powerful midfielder started his career with Real Bamako in 2012. Doumbia spent two years playing for the Scorpions in the Malien Premiere Division, the top rank in the country. Russian side recognised his talent and made a transfer in 2014 tying Moussa Doumbia on a four-year deal.
During two seasons with Russian Premier League outfit, Doumbia was involved in 31 league matches. In 2015-16 season he contributed to his club’s runners-up finish with two goals of his own. Full-time Mali international made his national team debut in 2014 in a 3-1 victory over China in Shenzen.
His most recent international appearances occurred in September during an empathic 5-2 win over Benin in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Doumbia went on to score his team’s fifth goal with eleven minutes on the clock rounding off an impressive performance.
Highlighted Team (Kenya):
Kenya national football team represents Kenya on the international stage. Controlled by Football Kenya Federation, the Harambee Stars welcome their rivals at Moi International Sports Centre. Kenya have yet to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals, but in 2019 they will compete at the Africa Cup of Nations for the sixth time in the history of the national team.
The Kenyans were drawn with Senegal, Algeria and Tanzania in Group C. The Harambee Stars are well known for their red kit (home), but they wear both white and green colours when the playing on the travels as well. Kenya faced Uganda in their first ever international game, with the team sharing the spoils (1-1) with Uganda in Nairobi.
The Harambee Stars recorded their biggest win against Zanzibar (10-0) on October, 1961 and four years later they were outclassed by Ghana 12-2, which is considered the team’s biggest defeat.