By Samuel Gacharira,
The Eagles will be aiming at completing a double against Ethiopia when they host them at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako this Wednesday.
With their 2-0 away win against the same opposition still fresh in their minds, the hosts will hope to build on that result as they aim to take over the leadership of Group B.
Mali are second in the group with six points, three points behind group leaders Algeria, who they will host in the next qualifying round later in November.
Walia Ibex are bottom of the group having lost all their three matches so far. Ethiopia have to face the harsh reality of not qualifying for the 2015 Afcon final. Mariano Barreto’s side will play the remaining fixtures for pride and is expected to use the youthful players who he has vowed will be the backbone of his team.
Henry Kasperczak is expected to maintain the same squad that did duty in Addis Ababa. He will once again hope that his defense line which is yet to concede a goal at home will stand tall.
Skipper Seydou Keita will pull the strings in midfield alongside Sambou Yatabare and Bakary Sako as the attacking duo of Abdoulay Diaby and Cheick Diabate lead the goal hunt upfront for the hosts.