Having missed an excellent opportunity to beat Niger in their second group game, Congo DR now need a victory instead of one point to qualify for the next stage.

Mali are in a better position despite the narrow defeat to Ghana, with one point guaranteeing them progress into the quarter-finals.

Claude Le Roy boasts an enviable record of having led his team to the quarter-finals at every one of his six Africa Cup of Nations appearances.

With that in mind, it was no wonder that Congo DR national team chiefs were delighted when they finally persuaded the experienced tactician to withdraw his resignation just before the start of the tournament finals.

The Leopards in turn produced a very good showing to hold title contenders Ghana to a 2-2 draw in their opening match, which put them in a great position ahead of the second group game against Niger.

Congo DR indeed outplayed their less illustrious opponents, but could only muster a goalless draw after star striker Dieumerci Mbokani missed two glorious chances to score.

As a result, only a win against Mali would see them qualify for the quarter-finals, but there is still some value in odds of 3.80 (14/5) offered by Betfair on home win.

Despite the under par showing against arguably the weakest side in the group, boss Claude Le Roy is unlikely to make major changes to his starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Kidiaba – Mpeko, Mongongu, Mabiala, Kasusula – Kabangu, Makiadi, Mulumbu, LuaLua – Mbokani, Mputu.

Following the third-place finish at the 2012 AFCON, Mali were rightly considered one of the candidates for the trophy in South Africa.

Les Aigles did well to record a hard-fought win over minnows Niger in their opening fixture, but were then thoroughly disappointing against Ghana, having been completely outclassed by the team they had beaten in a 3rd-place play-off at the 2012 tournament.

Mali may need just one point to qualify, but with Congo DR showing a lot of promise in the opening exchanges, Patrice Carteron’s side will have to improve if they want to avoid crashing out in group phase.

A draw that would see les Aigles go through pays 3.25 (9/4) at SkyBet, whereas Mali are 2.15 (23/20) with Coral to record the second win of the tournament.

Bastia midfielder Sambou Yatabare has left the national team due to being unhappy with the lack of playing time, but Modibo Maiga should finally start after fully recovering from injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Samassa – Diawara, N’Diaye, A. Coulibaly, Tamboura – Diakite, Sissoko, Keita – Maiga, Diabate, S. Diarra.

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