Mali target a point against Ivory Coast in Group B on Tuesday to qualify to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations as Nigeria need to beat Benin and hope the Elephants prevail. Ivory Coast have six points and even a defeat won't threaten their campaign. Mali are second on four points, three ahead of Nigeria after both teams settled for a goalless draw. Should Mali lose and Nigeria win, the goal difference will be decisive. Ivory Coast - Mali Ivory Coast "We have no preferences of opponent for the quarter-finals. If you want to become the champion of Africa you have to beat the big teams in the competition." Captain Didier Drogba. The Elephants are already in the quarter-finals, but they will be looking to avoid a clash with Group A leaders Ghana. Team News: Ivory Coast will miss defensive rock Kolo Toure, who sustained a groin injury against Benin. Steve Gohouri could take the Arsenal center-half's place. Manager Gerard Gili may opt to rest some of his star-studded line-up, in an attempt to refresh the team before the last-eight battle. Probable Line-up: Barry, Boka, Zoro, Gohouri, Meite, Y. Toure, Fae, Keita, Kalou, A. Kone, Sanogo Mali "If it's 0-0 with 20 or 25 minutes to go there won't be any 'deal', but perhaps the two teams will want to stabilize the game and break the rhythm in a certain way." said Mohamadou Diarra.
Vogts under fire Mali need a draw to go through, but they will surely aim a swipe at their opposition, in order to avoid Ghana in the quarters. Team News: Real Madrid midfielder Diarra will miss the game through suspension after picking up a second booking against Nigeria. Probable Line-up: M. Sidibe, A. Coulibaly, Diamoutene, Kante, Tambourda, Sissoko, A. Sidibe, Keita, D. Sidibe- Kanoute, Traore. Nigeria vs. Benin Nigeria "We know that one point in two games is not enough, now our only hope is God and Ivory Coast." Coach Berti Vogts. Team News: Nigeria will miss captain Nwankwo Kanu, who is out with a knee injury. Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana will also miss the game through suspension. Probable Line-up: Ejide, Nwaneri, Taiwo, Yobo, Shittu- Mikel, Etuhu, Nsofor, Odemwingie, Martins, Yakubu. Benin "We know we are already out of the competition but a few of us in the team particularly those of us with Nigerian parents have a point or two to prove." Razak Omotoyossi. The Squirrels will look to register their first ever win in CAN competitions against their high-profile neighbors. Team News: Benin have no injury concerns. Probable Line-up: Chitou, Adenon, Adjomassi, Boco, Chrystostome- Gaspoz, Ahoueya, Sesegnon, S. Tchomogo, Omotoyossi, O. Tchomogo.
