Ivorians set up Chipolopolo Final
Ivorians set up Chipolopolo Final
Posted: Feb 8 2012
Ivory Coast and Mali went head-to-head in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, and it was the Elephants who emerged on top, winning 1-0 in Libreville on Wednesday.
A first-half goal from Arsenal star Gervinho was enough to decide the match in favour of the tournament favourites, and set up a clash with Zambia in Sunday's final.
The early exchanges were marred by aggressive play and fouls from both sets of players, setting the tone for what would be a rough and physical encounter.
The Elephants had a great chance to take the lead on five minutes as a cross from the right wing found the head of captain Didier Drogba, but his glancing effort bounced up and onto the post, saving the Malians some early blushes.
Drogba continued to be a thorn in Mali's side, and a few minutes later his long range strike almost beat keeper Soumbeyla Diakite, who was fortunate to have the ball bounce off his face and out for a corner.
Ivory Coast continued to pile on the pressure and in the 16th minute African Player of the Year Yaya Toure found space in the box and cracked a bullet at goal, but the ball hit the woodwork once again.
A few minutes later the Eagles had their first real threatening chance of the game as the Malian attacking pair of Mustapha Yatabare and Cheick Diabate troubled the Ivorian defence.
But keeper Boubacar Barry was able to control the situation and unleash a counter-attack that led to Salomon Kalou's surging run, which allowed him to round Diakite before hitting the side netting from a tight angle.
The early intensity began to calm down, but still the Elephants created a fair amount of attacking opportunities, including a 31st minute effort from Drogba, who shook off two defenders before shooting diagonally across the goal, but slightly wide of the target.
Ivory Coast ended the first period in the best possible way, as Gervinho found the opener on the 45th minute. He collected the ball on the edge of his own half, showing incredible pace, skill and control to run half the length of the pitch before beating Diakite on his far post and slotting in the goal.
The second half began at a slower pace, with much of the action involving tackles in the midfield as both sides tried to maintain possession. In the 65th minute Cote d'Ivoire had a good chance to extend their lead with Kalou cracking a shot from just outside the box, but Diakite was equal to the strike, getting a hand up and tipping it over the bar.
In the 73rd minute Yatabare came close to equalising for the Eagles, but his powerful attempt rose above the intended target. Cote d'Ivoire were still to concede a goal in the tournament, and their defence did well to frustrate Mali on a few counterattacking occasions.
A few minutes later tired Malian legs were showing as Drogba went for a run down the right wing before cutting in and aiming for his 11th Afcon goal, but the outstretched legs of Diakite were enough to keep Mali within reach of an equaliser.
With three minutes remaining in the match Mali had a free kick from distance, but the Eagles were suffering the effects of a two-hour quarter-final against Gabon, and the effort was easily blocked and cleared.
The Ivorians had lost four of their six semi-final appearances at previous Afcon competitions before this match, but after a dominant display in this match they were able to improve that statistic, ending the match with a 1-0 victory.
The result sends Ivory Coast into the final of the 2012 Afcon, where they will face Zambia on Sunday following the Chipolopolo's 1-0 semi-final victory over Ghana in Wednesday's earlier match. Mali will have the third place playoff to content against the Black Stars on Saturday.
: 2012-02-09 02:40
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