Two teams chasing Africa Cup of Nations glory will do battle today in a match between Ivory Coast and Mali. The tournament clash scheduled for 11 a.m. ET will be held at the Estadio de Malabo in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and can be live streamed here free.
What They're Saying
Ivory Coast manager Herve Renard (via The Malay Mail Online): "I think Yaya [Toure] was a bit tired at the end of the game, so it was better for him to come off. But he is a big competitor, so he'll be ready for the second game. He has a big responsibility now with the captain's armband. I expect a better second game from him than the first one. If he is not able to improve his level, it will be difficult for the team."
Mali head coach Henryk Kasperczak (via Vavel): "Mali are also a very good side in Africa just now. At the last Cup of Nations, we were third and we are here to confirm that good performance. Before the tournament, I said it was a very well balanced group, with no favorites, even if most people thought Cameroon and the Ivory Coast were the favorites."
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Toure performed well below his average in the team's 1-1 draw with Guinea. The 31-year-old finished with no key passes and just one attempt. In 18 league appearances with Manchester City, Toure is averaging 1.1 key passes and 3.3 attempts.
Ivory Coast's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gbohouo; Kanon, Toure, Bailly, Aurier; Tiote, Die; Gradel, Toure, Kalou; Bony
Mali's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Diakite; Diakite, Coulibaly, Wague, Tamboura; N'Diaye, Sylla, Keita; Sako, Yatabare, Yatabare
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
