The target is, of course, the same when Mali and Ivory Coast line up against each other in the last semifinal clash at Stade Régional Nyamirambo, Kigali this evening. To make the final!
But therein rests firsts for the two West African nations as the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) nears the final straight.
The Eagles of Mali have made it to the last eight once in the two editions they have been at Chan, but the last four here – a window to the ultimate goal – is the uncharted territory they will relish. For the Elephants of Ivory Coast – who have dominated Mali in all competitions with 18 wins against three – theirs is a fairy-tale run in the championship so far.
Twice they have featured at Chan, their first as hosts in 2009, and twice have failed to make it out of the group. But when they have finally made it at the third time of asking, they have done it with brutal resolve.
Having lost their group opener to hosts Rwanda 1-0, they purposefully saw off Morocco 1-0 and thrashed Gabon 4-1 before walloping Cameroon 3-0 in extra time of the quarterfinal.
“We are gaining momentum,” said Ivory Coast coach Michel Dussuyer after the match against Cameroon.
Yet the Frenchman knows they will need more than momentum against Mali, a side that have put up one improved display after another, “We still need to fight, we need to push to our limits.”
Chillingly calm Mali
Dussuyer will count on the craft of Essis Baudelaire Fulgence, Koffi Davy Boua and, of course, Yao Serge N’Guessan – the man who scored Ivory Coast’s cracking third from the half way line against Cameroon.
But they come up against a chillingly calm Mali, who up their game according to what the opponent brings. Coach Djibril Drame’s men showed that resilient demeanour when they came from behind to bundle out tournament favourites Tunisia 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
“The next step is going against Ivory Coast,” he said after overcoming Tunisia, “We shall study and analyse their style and prepare accordingly.”
Abdoulaye Diarra and Mamadou Coulibaly will again carry the torch for the Eagles on a day Drame welcomes back Hamidou Sinayoko from suspension.
Yesterday’s result
DR Congo 1 (5)-1 (4) Guinea
Today at 5pm (LIVE ON SS9)
Mali vs. Ivory Coast, Nyamirambo
Final/third place: Sunday
