Morocco vs Malawi: Predictions, odds & betting tips

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Morocco are looking to preserve their unbeaten record in this year’s Afcon when they take on a Malawi side making their first appearance in the last 16 of the competition.

Vahid Halilhodzic’s team have not lost any of their last six meetings with Malawi and are out to maintain that encouraging record to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.

Morocco vs Malawi latest odds

With the exception of their Arab Cup quarter-final loss to Algeria on penalties late last year, Morocco have been in incredible form over the last 18 months. They are 1/3 favourites with bet365 to win this contest.

Malawi, who drew 0-0 with Senegal to scrape into the knockout phase of the competition are 10/1 to pull off a surprise.

While Morocco have been dominant in contests between these two, their last meeting – in March 2019 – ended a 0-0 draw and you can get odds of 10/3 for this tie to be even after 90 minutes.

Morocco vs Malawi first goalscorer

Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri is available at 10/3 to score the first goal of the game.

Gabadinho Mhango, who has scored both of Malawi’s goals in the tournament so far, can be backed at 12/1 to strike first.

Morocco vs Malawi preview

Morocco may be without midfielder Faycal Fajr for the clash with Malawi as he was forced to miss training because of an injury ahead of the last-16 tie.

But the Atlas Lions will be able to call on striker Ryan Mmaee, who was sidelined for the duration of the group stage but trained with his team-mates for the first time on Friday.

Vahid Halilhodzic's team finished top of their group with seven points, but Malawi will feel up to the task of overpowering a side who crashed out at the last-16 stage three years ago.

"The Morocco game is the biggest game of our lives and we are looking forward to it," said midfielder John Banda last week.

"We respect Morocco but don’t fear them. We played them twice in the Afcon three years ago and I played in both matches. They are a beatable side with a proper game plan."

Morocco vs Malawi tips & predictions

As Morocco are in such convincing form and up against a team that lacks experience at this stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, odds of 5/4 for over 2.5 goals seem generous.

All odds correct at time of writing. begambleaware.org

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