Exclusive News
Soccer hostility between two West African soccer lords, Elephants of Ivory Coast and the Eagles of Mali resumes in Egypt on Monday at 5pm in the Round of 16 matches. The two teams have met 7 times and Ivory Coast (CIV) ran away with four victories while Mali won only once with two draws.
On the 29th of January 2008 CIV3-0; 8th of February 2011; CIV 1-0; 8th of February 2012 CIV0-1; 24th January 2015 1-1; 4th of February 2016 CIV 1-0; 8th of October 2016 CIV 3-1 and 6th of October 2017 CIV 0-0.
Mali never won the Nations cup. They were runners-up in 1972; Bronze medalists in 2012 and 2013; Semifinalists in 1999; 2002 and 2004. Those were their achievements in 22 appearances.
The Ivoirians have lifted the cup twice in 1992 and 2015; Runners-up twice in 2006 and 2012; Bronze medalists in1965, 1968, 1986 and 1994; Semifinalists in1970 and 2008; Quarterfinalists in 1998; 2010, and 2013. Those were their achievements in 22 appearances. The Ivoirians were at the World cup in 2006, 2010 and 2014 whereas Mali never qualified.
On current form, both teams won two of their three matches in Egypt, Mali drew the third while CIV lost.
Mali topped her group beating Mauritania 4-1; played draw with Tunisia and defeated Angola 1-0. Ivory Coast was second in her group beating RSA 1-0; lost to Morocco 0-1 and maimed Namibia 4-1.
The statistics give it to Mali. The ball possession is Mli 154-133 CIV; Shots of target Mli 14-16 CIV; Corner Kicks Mli 17-12 and offside Mli 4-2CIV. Mali could hold the ball and plan more. Mali had more chances at goal with the corners and was eager to score that is why they were flagged offside more.
The fouls record shows that CIV had 59-47 of Mali meaning that Mali did not take advantage of the set pieces of 59 free kicks and 17 corners. The two teams play the same kind of football but records show that Mali was more on the rough side with 6 yellows to CIV 4.
With the trend at the nation’s cup now, experience and skills does not show much but determination. Ivory Coast may have more records of victory in previous meetings but the time of play on Monday with developments on the field of play will determine the winner because it has become a game of chance now.
- ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
