The hosts Ivory Coast will take to the Stade Bouake to go one-on-one against Mali on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash, with kickoff slated for 17:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Mali made it into the quarter-final with a fine 2-1 win over Burkina Faso in the last-16 clash.
Mali’s standout player is Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma, who missed the previous round with a thigh discomfort; a late test will be needed to determine his availability for the clash against Ivory Coast.
Without Bissouma, Mali had Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko to call upon, and he ably deputized; however, they will hope Bissouma is back fit for Saturday’s clash to supplement Sinayoko, who has scored three times at this tournament.
In their best showing of the tournament, Ivory Coast demonstrated all the experience and fighting spirit on their way to beating reigning champions Senegal in the last 16 clash, coming back from a goal down to tie the match and clinch it on penalties.
Bet hereThe hosts’ interim manager Emerse Fae made bold changes for the last-16 clash against Senegal to jolt the Elephants to action to make it into the quarter-finals. He brought in defender Odilon Kossounou for his maiden appearances at the tournament and dropped Franck Kessie in favor of Jean Michael Seri.
The bold choices paid off with an energetic performance that showed what the Elephants have been missing in their lackluster group stage performances.
For Ivory Coast, even better news is that Sebasten Haller is available for selection in the clash against Mali, which will boost their cutting edge in the final third.
Injury Report
Late tests will be carried out on Yves Bissouma to determine his availability for Mali. Ivory Coast have Sebastien Haller back available ahead of the clash on Saturday.
Prediction
Mali and Ivory Coast will fight to a draw in regulation time. Extra time and/or penalties will be required to separate the two.
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