Exclusive News
Wasteful Eagles of Mali has been bundled out of the 32nd Cup of Nations in the round of 16 matches via a lone goal scored by Zaha of Ivory Coast in the 76′ of the match.
Mali had the match in their wings but could not take advantage of their chances.
The ball possession was 60 of Mali to 40 of CIV; 8 corner kicks of Mali to 3 of CIV; even more fouls by CIV which they should have connected but no.
The Ivorians started a trick of falling like a pack of cards of playing terribly rough to frustrate the Malians who have always found Ivory coast a tough opponent to manage.
Zaha had consistently troubled the Malian defense that did not see that the tactics is ‘distract the defense’. The strategy paid off and the Elephants march on.
Ivory coast will now meet Algeria in the quarterfinal on Thursday.
Former four times champions, Ghana Black Stars will trade tackles with Tunisia in the last match of the Round of 16 at 8pm.
- ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
