Amos Annan
What: African Cup of Nations Semi-final
Who: Mali vs Ivory Coast
When: Wednesday 8th February, 2012, at 19:00 UK Time
Where: Stade d’Angondje, Libreville, Gabon
An Unlikely Final?
At the beginning of this tournament, few would have predicted that Mali would have made it to the semi-final, but that was likely their target. Having achieved it, the team are hoping to go one better by doing the seemingly impossible and beating overwhelming favourites Ivory Coast to make it to their first final in 40 years.
This has been a tournament of slow starts for most of the bigger teams, and Mali are no exception. The 2-0 loss to Ghana in their second group game made qualification out of the group tricky, but the side managed it in the end with a superb comeback against Botswana. The home nation, Gabon, also made a semi-final berth for the Eagles unlikely, but an equaliser late into the game turned things around and enabled the Malians to progress on penalties. Thus far, this may be their biggest test yet – as would be expected – but one their growing confidence in this competition could help overcome.
Yet to Concede
Having won all their games, with seven goals scored and none conceded, this has undoubtedly been a perfect competition for the Elephants, who have succeeded in trampling all in their path – without breaking sweat. Impressive. But some would argue that the Ivorians have had a fairly easy route to the semi-final and this tie may yet be their sternest test in the competition so far.
It is important then that the Ivorians keep their focus and do a thoroughly professional job. The only way the Elephants can find themselves edged out of a place in the final is if they buckle under the pressure. That is unlikely to happen though, as there is enough experience in the side to practically guarantee that the team do not lose concentration.
Recent form
Mali:
Ghana 2-0 Mali (28/01; Group D)
Botswana 1-2 Mali (01/02; Group D)
Gabon 1-1 Mali, Mali win 5-4 on penalties (05/02; Quarter-final)
Ivory Coast:
Ivory Coast 2-0 Burkina Faso (26/01; Group C)
Ivory Coast 2-0 Angola (30/01; Group C)
Ivory Coast 3-0 Equatorial Guinea (04/02; Quarter-final)
Players to watch
Mali – Seydou Keita: In such a huge game, big names are expected to stand up and be noticed. As captain of the side, the midfielder is also to lead by example. So far, it has been a fairly good tournament for the Barcelona man, but he really needs to prove his mettle against his opposite number and former team-mate Yaya Toure if his side are to have any realistic chance of making it to the final.
Ivory Coast – Yaya Toure: In a game that will most likely be won in midfield, the Manchester City man needs to influence the semi-final to ensure that everything goes according to plan. With strikers available to finish, his creative abilities are in high demand. The fact that Toure can also pop up with goals too, as demonstrated in the victory over Sudan, will also be an added advantage.
Match Prediction
Mali come into this match as underdogs, but having achieved their aim of reaching the semi-final, may play with less pressure. And pressure is something that is most definitely on the Ivory Coast. However, the Elephants can handle expectations. Mali 0-2 Ivory Coast.
Two giants of African football meet in Mali v Ivory Coast. Where is your money going? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
