Qualifying campaign: Mali ended their campaign with 10 points just like Cape Verde but they went through courtesy to a better head-to-head record as they defeated their rivals 3-0 at home while lost 1-0 away. History: Mali never appeared at the World Cup, but they featured in CAN six times.Their best achievements were in the 1972 and 1994 editions when they reached the final and semi final respectively. Expectations: Mali will surely miss the experience of Frederic Kanoute but they will rely on inspirational midfielder Seydou Keita who finished second in the African player of the year 2011. Coach Alain Giresse have a squad of France-based players that are still looking for glory and to forge their status in the continent. Mali are expected to beat off competition from Botswana and Guinea and finish second in their group behind Ghana. FIFA ranking: xxx Achievements: Runners up in CAN 1972 6 previous appearances in CAN Coach: Alain Giresse (France) Key players: Seydou Keita, Cedric Kante, Mohamed Fofana Full squad: Goalkeepers: Oumar Sissoko (Metz, France), Soumbeyla Diakite (Stade Malien), Alimamy Sogoba (As Réal). Defenders: Ousmane Coulibaly (Brest, France), Idrissa Coulibaly (Esperance Tunis, Tunisia), Drissa Diakite (Nice, France), Cedric Kante (Panathinaikos, Greece), Mohamed Fofana (Toulouse, France), Adama Tamboura (Metz, France ), Mouhamadou N'Diaye (Vitoria Guimarães, Portugal), Abdoulaye Maiga (USM Alger, Algeria). Midfielders: Seydou Keita (Barcelona, Spain), Kalilou Traoré (OB Odense, Denmark), Bakay Traore (Nancy, France), Abdou Traore (Bordeaux, France), Samba Diakite (Nancy, France), Mahamane Traore (Metz , France), Sidi Koné (Lyon, France), Samba Sow (Lens, France). Forwards: Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, France), Garra Dembele (Freiburg, Germany), Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Bordeaux, France), Mustapha Yatabare (Guingamp, France).
