AFCON 2013: Mali vs Nigeria preview

February 5, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Nigeria vs Ivory CoastAfrica Cup of Nations has reached its closing stage, and a place in the final will be at stake when Mali take on Nigeria in Durban.

Both sides exceeded expectations in the quarter-finals, with Mali eliminating hosts South Africa on penalties and Nigeria seeing off tournament favourites Ivory Coast.

With the emergence of players like Seydou Keita, Momo Sissoko and Samba Diakite, les Aigles slowly returned to the biggest stage, producing quite a coup by beating Ghana to a third-place finish at the 2012 AFCON.

The team arrived in South Africa hoping to reach the semi-finals for the second successive time, and they have done brilliantly to fulfill their objective.

After getting past what was a very evenly matched group, les Aigles showed a lot of character to come from a goal behind and beat hosts South Africa on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Having come this far, Patrice Carteron’s side will attempt to go one step further this time, so bear in mind Mali are 2.50 (3/2) with Paddy Power to qualify.

Les Aigles will have first choice keeper Mamadou Samassa back from suspension, but Samba Diakite is doubtful having picked up an injury against South Africa.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Samassa – Diawara, Wague, A. Coulibaly, Tamboura – Sissoko, Sow, Keita – Diakite, Samassa, Maiga.

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Given the huge expectations from the fans and the fact Nigeria were placed into a very difficult group, the Super Eagles were always going to have their work cut out for them.

The team, nonetheless, produced two good showings at the start of their campaign, but were unlucky not to win any of those games.

Stephen Keshi’s side then showed a lot of character to overcome Ethiopia in their final group fixture, and thus earned a quarter-final clash with mighty Ivory Coast.

Not too many people believed the Super Eagles have what it takes to match the Elephants, but they produced the first major surprise of the tournament and earned a 2-1 win to make it to the semi-finals.

This has made Nigeria 2.20 (6/5) favourites to beat Mali in regular time, but the pressure of expectations could make for a very difficult match in Durban.

Stephen Keshi will be boosted by the return of Fegor Ogude from suspension, with Ogenyi Onazi likely to be dropped.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Enyeama – Ambrose, Omeruo, Oboabona, Echiejile – Mba, Mikel, Ogude – Ideye, Emenike, Moses.

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