Cote D’Ivoire Vs. Mali, 2012 Africa Cup Of Nations: Les Elephants Through To Final

Cote D’Ivoire have looked untouchable thus far in the Africa Cup of Nations and are heavy favorites to defeat Mali, but they’re up against a formidable opponent. Ghana’s upset earlier in the day showed that no one is actually untouchable, and Mali have enough talent to defeat them. Seydou Keita looks like a top player as always, and Cheick Diabate is a monster of a man who can score with his head at any time. This could be a 4-4-2 with Keita pushed wide or a 4-2-3-1 with Mustapha Yatabare pushed wide. In any event, someone will play out of their natural position. Cote D’Ivoire has set up as expected in a 4-3-3 with Solomon Kalou and Gervinho flanking Didier Drogba.

Cote D’Ivoire Lineup (4-3-3): Barry; Tiene, Kolo Toure, Bamba, Gosso; Gosso, Tiote, Yaya Toure; Gervinho, Kalou, Drogba

Though they weren’t handed the toughest draw, Cote D’Ivoire have been dominant thus far in the Africa Cup of Nations. Four games, four wins, four clean sheets. Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Solomon Kalou have been dominant, and so much so that their defense has hardly been tested. There were questions about their defense and the tactical acumen of coach Francois Zahoui coming into the tournament, but neither has been tested. On Tuesday, Mali should give them their biggest test yet.

This Mali side is a relatively inexperienced one compared to their recent Africa Cup of Nations side, but they do have one key veteran in Seydou Keita of Barcelona. Though normally a box-to-box or defensive midfield player at club level, Keita is the centerpiece of the attack for his country and is performing that role well once again.