Ivory Coast is set to face Mali in the quarterfinals, with both teams eyeing a spot in the coveted semifinals.
Mali’s recent triumph over Burkina Faso marked a significant breakthrough, breaking their three-tournament streak of exiting at the Round of 16.
With a sturdy defense, conceding just two goals in four games, Mali is determined to reach their first AFCON final since 1972.
Despite their uninspiring start, Ivory Coast advanced to the quarterfinals with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory against reigning champions Senegal.
The Elephants’ interim manager, Emerse Faé, took charge after the departure of Jean-Louis Gasset, aiming to guide Ivory Coast to their first AFCON semifinal since 2015.
Faé, acknowledging the pressure, will look to rejuvenate his team, which suffered defeats only against Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria in their last ten internationals.
Lassine Sinayoko, with three goals in four AFCON games, poses a constant threat for Mali, while Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessié, the hero of the penalty shootout against Senegal, is expected to carry his confidence into the upcoming clash.
With both teams eager to make history and secure a spot in the semifinals, the Ivory Coast vs. Mali quarterfinal promises an enthralling battle on the AFCON stage.
