AFCON 2023: Cote D’Ivoire Vs. Mali game preview

By Ngome Michael

Following back-to-back defeats in their last group matches, Côte D’Ivoire’s chances at the 2023 AFCON looked slim but, they’re are just two games away from a potential final on home soil after seeing off Senegal in the round of 16.

Between them is Mali whom they face in a rare regional derby quarter-final at the Stade De La Paix in Bouake, Saturday February 03 2024.

The Eagles convincingly saw Burkina Faso in a 2-1 win and are headed to progress from a fifth quarter final in the competition. Chelle’s side has had an impressive run so far and farcean Ivorian side they are yet to be beat in the AFCON.

Côte D’Ivoire’s move into the last eight must be looked upon keenly for after eliminating Senegal 5-4 on penalties, tit is just their second quarter final since triumph in 2015.

Mali has always made it past the last eight at the Cup of Nations when it was a 16-team tournament (1994, 2002, 2004, 2012 and 2013), but currently in their first since expanding to 24 nations.

Motivated by being able to hold Senegal down before leveling through Frank Kessie to go on and win after extra time, It is yet to be seen if Emerse Fae’s team can pick up where they left off in the round of 16. Mali has never trailed in any game so far.

Beating the host will be a statement for a side hoping to claim her first ever AFCON title. Should Mali get past Côte D’Ivoire, it will their third semi final after 2012 and 2013.

Mali has never defeated the Elephants at AFCON, losing four times and drawing once, possibly making them underdogs as per the history of this tie at the Cup of Nations.

While Faé would be relieved after bringing in Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra against Senegal, concerns turn to Ibrahim Sangaré and Odilon Kossounou who looked injured.

Lassine Sinayoko is clearly a Malian threat not easy to contain. He has scored three goals so far. Amadou Haidara was injured against Burkina Faso which leaves uncertain to start against Côte D’Ivoire.