Friday Feb 02, 2024. 12:18
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will commence with an exciting Quarterfinal encounter between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast at Stade Bouake on Saturday.
Date: 3 February 2024
Kick-off: 19h00
The hosts have the slight edge against Mali in the head-to-head count, recording two wins in their last five matches played in all competitions. While Mali have one victory to their name against Ivory Coast, two draws have been played in the last handful of fixtures.
Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament after their 2-1 win against Burkina Faso on Tuesday. Regarding the home side, the Elephants qualified for the quarter-finals after a thrilling 5-4 penalty win over Senegal on Monday, 29 January.
Team news: Mali midfielder Amadou Haidara is believed to be a doubt for Saturday’s clash, while Sebastien Haller and Simon Adingra are in line to start for Ivory Coast against Les Aigles after putting their injury woes behind them.
Key players:
Mali: Lassine Sinayoko – Sinayoko was a star turner for Mali in their win over Burkina Faso and will look to maintain his goal scoring form this weekend.
Ivory Coast: Serge Aurier – Given the magnitude of the game, Aurier’s experience will be needed in pressure cooker situations, while his teammates will no doubt turn to the right-back for inspiration throughout the 90 minutes.
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