Africa Cup of Nations: Mali v Ivory Coast

Mali make seven changes from the weakened side who beat Angola 1-0.

Striker Moussa Marega, defenders Hamari Traore, Youssouf Kone and Mamadou Fofana, midfielder Diadie Samassekou and wingers Moussa Djenepo and Abdoulay Diaby come back in.

Two players called Adama Traore drop to the bench.

The Ivory Coast make two changes up front, with Nicolas Pepe and Jonathan Kodjia replacing Max Gradel and Wilfried Bony. Wilfried Bony keeps his place.

Mali:Diarra, H Traore, Kone, Wague, Fofana, Haidara, Samassekou, Coulibaly, Marega, Djenepo, Diaby

Ivory Coast:
Gbohouo, Coulibaly, Gbamin, Traore, Mamadou, Kanon, Kessie, Serey, Zaha, Kodjia, Pepe

Ivory Coast manager Ibrahima Kamara: “We will approach this match with a fighting spirit. The boys are motivated and know that there is no rest in such a competition.

“We have prepared for all possibilities that may occur especially since it is a knockout match.

“Mali is a good team so let’s not say the Ivory Coast are favorites.”

Mali caretaker coach Mohamed Magassouba said: “As for the invincibility of the Ivory Coast against Mali, we say that it is history and it belongs to historians.

“Our strength is ourselves and every generation must build its own story.

“It’s a football game for which we are convinced to continue the adventure. We said well before the competition that we have prepared for this Afcon and we will play it to the end.”