Before Sunday’s final, Libreville was signicant to Zambians as the city where one of football’s greatest tragedies occurred with the 1993 Zambian air disaster, a crash which killed the entire Chipolopolo squad. This atrocity has always been the primary connotation with the Zambian national football team. However, following their heroic victory over favourites Ivory Coast in the final, Zambia will now be remembered for their glorious victory, as well as the awful events of 1993.

In truth, Zambia’s shock success was the brightest of highlights in what was otherwise a largely uninspiring tournament. A mixture of low quality matches, poor playing surfaces and empty stadiums had created a flat atmosphere for the build up to the final. The biggest disappointment, and an issue that really needs to be addressed at future ACONs, was the sparse attendances at almost every game. Ticket prices were fat too expensive for the inhabitants of Equatorial Guinea, one of the co-hosts, as the country’s average income falls well below the Five thousand franc asking price.

The story on the pitch was really about how the fancied teams, with the exception of Ivory Coast, dissapointed, and fell well below expectations. Senegal and Ghana in particular, were two teams that many expected a lot from. Although the latter made it to the semi-final stage, the Black Stars never looked convincing. Senegal’s campaign was nothing short of a disaster, losing all three games resulting in a group stage exit, along with another favourite, Morocco, and outsiders Libya, Angola, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and Botswana.

The quarter-final stage saw the elimination of the co-hosts Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, with the former being dismissed 3-0 by Ivory Coast, and the latter suffering the heartbreak of an exit on penalties to Mali. Zambia continued to catch the eye with a 3-0 victory over Sudan, and Ghana stumbled through against Tunisia, benefiting from an error by goalkeeper Aymen Mahtlouthi to secure their passage to the last four.

The semi-final lineup pitted Ghana against the overachieving Zambia, and Mali against Ivory Coast. The day’s first match saw the Chipolopolo continue their fantastic run with a superb 1-0 victory over Ghana. Emmanuel Mayuka’s late winner secured his side’s ticket to the final and sent his country into raptures. Their opponents for Africa’s crown would be the Ivory Coast, after they narrowly beat a brave Mali through Gervinho’s strike. Mali, although including players of the calibre of Barcelona’s Seydou Keita, punched above their weight and went home delighted with their third place finish,  a feat achieved after beating a lackluster Ghana 2-0 in the 3rd/4th playoff.

For many, the final was a foregone conclusion. Ivory Coast had yet to concede, and scored nine goals on their way to the final. Zambia though, had the memory of 1993 as a poignant motivator. The final was a tight, uneventful affair, and provided little indication of the inspirational tale that would ultimately be created. After a goalless 120 minutes, the tie was settled on a thrilling penalty shoot-out. When Gervinho blasted his penalty over the bar, Stoppila Sunzu slotted his home to complete Zambia’s fairytale.

In a week when football headlines have been dominated by negativity, Zambia’s victory is a timely reminder of what sport is all about. Many believe their victory was ‘written in the stars’. Amongst those stars, the Zambia team of 1993 will be looking down with pride on 2012′s champions of Africa.

African Cup of Nations 2012

Winner: Zambia

Runner -up: Ivory Coast

Third: Mali

Fourth: Ghana

Player of the Tournament: Chris Katongo

Cheick Tidiane Diabate grabbed two goals either side of a red card to Ghanaian defender Isaac Vorsah, as the Eagles recorded their best finishing position at an ACON for 40 years.

The victory at the Estadio de Bata saw Mali gain revenge on Ghana for their 2-0 defeat during the group stage of the tournament.

Tonight’s win goes some way in soothing the pain endured by the West Africans following their semi-final defeat at the hands of the Ivory Coast.

As for Ghana, a tournament that had promised so much – the Black Eagles started as joint favorites for the cup – ends on a real low, as defeat this evening followed Wednesday’s shock 1-0 loss to Zambia.

Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic, under pressure following his side’s disapointing campaign, decided to start the game without a recognised striker, as Marseille’s Jordan and Andre Ayew were deployed up front in what was an experimental system.

His decision failed to bear fruit, as his side failed to create any meaningful openings during the first half. By the time the Serb changed his strategy, Ghana were 1-0 down.

The goal arrived in the 23rd minute, with Diabate the quickest to react to goalkeeper Adambathia Kwarasey’s parry from Samba Diakite’s firm shot.

The match became scrappy following the opener, with both sides guilty of niggly fouls. Ghana’s Sulley Muntari thought he had drawn his side level, but his volleyed finish was ruled out for offside in what was a tight decision.

The Black Eagles hopes of securing a bronze medal finish was dealt a further blow when centre back Vorsah was sent off for a second yellow card, becoming the third Ghana player to see red during the tournament.

Despite John Mensah’s curling effort going just wide of the post, the task in front of Ghana was too much, and Mali, sensing victory, began too dominate proceedings.

Their superiority was rewarded with a fine breakaway goal with 10 minutes remaining on the clock. Left back Adama Tamboura’s fine run down the left flank was followed up with a perfect low ball across the face of goal for Diabate to stick out a leg and slide home into an empty net.

The Bordeaux striker’s brace sees him join Didier Drogba, Chris Katongo and Emmanuel Mayuka on three goals for the tournament, although any of those three can go ahead of Diabate if they find the net in tomorrow’s final.

Although both Ayew brothers had opportunites to reduce the deficit, the final whistle soon brought the match to a conclusion, much to the delight of the Malians.

Mali will return home fully satisfied with their preformance at this year’s ACON, as their best finishing performance since the 1972 tournament signals real progress is being made. Ghana on the other hand, will go home feeling very much the opposite, as a tournament that promised so much for them, has ultimately, delivered very little.

Gervinho’s goal just before half-time settled a tight encounter as the pre-tournament favourites reached their first final since 2006.

The Arsenal man sealed the win when he was allowed to run unchallenged from the half-way line, before curling a close range effort into the bottom corner of Soumbeyla Diakite’s goal.

The strike would break Malian hearts, as the Elephant’s strong defence, yet to be breached in the tournament, held firm to deny the West Africans their passage through to Sunday’s final.

The Eagles would have been quietly hoping for a shock result on the same level as the one Zambia produced over Ghana in today’s other semi-final, but their opponents proved to be too strong.

Mali’s chances of an upset looked ominous from early on, as the Ivory Coast started strongly. Captain Didier Drogba was unlucky not to score when his header hit the post in the 6th minute. Ten minutes later, Yaya Toure’s thumping drive also hit the woodwork with goalkeeper Diakite well beaten.

Mali weathered the early storm and, despite creating very little in an attacking sense, appeared to be going into half-time on level terms. Gervinho however, had other ideas.

Picking the ball up on the half-way line, the winger poked the ball through defender Ousmane Berthe’s legs and ran towards goal. With no Malian challenge forthcoming, he continued his run into the penalty area before opening up his body and slotting the ball expertly into the bottom corner.

Conceding a goal so close to the break was a huge blow for the Eagles, and a change of approach was imperative if they were to find a way back into the game and keep their African Nation’s dream alive.

But the urgency required to achieve this didn’t come until the final 20 minutes of the game. In fact, the Ivory Coast should have been out of sight by this point, as again Drogba and Toure failed to score their opportunities.

Ivory coast’s profligacy in front of goal ensured that the final few minutes were nervy, but when referee Daniel Bennett blew his whistle to signal the end, the Elephant’s delight of reaching the final was there for all to see. The players celebrated victory by kissing the turf and participating in the customary African celebratory dance.

So Sunday’s final at Libreville’s Stade de l’Amitie will see the Ivory Coast, giants of African football with their star-studded line-up, take on minnows Zambia. Many will believe that the Elephants already have one hand on the trophy. The Chipolopolo, having beaten Ghana and Senegal on their way to the final, will have other ideas, and will be aiming for their biggest shock yet.

Mali haven’t really shone at the African cup of nations in the last few years, the last two tournaments in 2008 and 2010 they went out in round one, but they have finished 4^th 3 times, in 2002,2004 and 1994, and they even finished 2^nd in 1972. However although the last few years they haven’t exactly done fantastically there are reasons why they can be optimistic!

In the 2010 tournament,Mali came from 4-0 to draw 4-4 against Angola with only 11 minutes left in the game, that was an astonishing game and if you want to see it again log on to youtube, you won’t be disappointed. This game proves that the Mali team had spirit 2 years ago and hopefully that will make them feel confident, as they could use this as a motivator.

Another aspect is that there are fewer “bigger teams” From my point of view they are fourth behind Ghana,Ivory Coast and Senegal respectively.Mali will see this as a chance to get into the semi final and with a bit of luck in two games they could easily win the tournament.

Although they are the 4^th on my list of who to win the tournament, not many players are well known to us unless you have a particular interest in French Football. Seydou Keita, their instrumental captain will be vital if they are to go really far in the tournament and they will need to use him as a motivator and as a fantastic player. To be able to play 26 games so far this season for Barcelona in midfield speaks volumes, because of the strength in depth Barca have in that particular position and,Mali, will hopefully use their inspirational captain well and he can add a trophy to his 63 caps.

My predictions for the group fixtures:

Mali 3-1 Guinea

Ghana 4-2 Mali

Botswana 1-2 Mali

The one thing they are missing from their last tournament is Freddy Kenoute , and their talisman will be missed, however life moves on and they need to find the next “Freddy” if they are to contribute to African Cup over the next 10 years.

Luckily for Mali though, they will be missingSouth Africa,Nigeria,Cameroon and Egypt. Those heavyweights will only be able to watch the tournament and not participate in them.

Mali have a reasonably young squad and if they go far in this tournament then they can build on that and hopefully qualify for the first ever World Cup

Goalkeepers Soumbeïla Diakité. Oumar Sissoko, Almamy Sogoba

Defenders Adama Tamboura, Cédric Kanté, Drissa Diakité, Abdoulaye Maïga, Mohamed Fofana, Idrissa Coulibaly, Ousmane Coulibaly, Mahamadou N’Diaye,

Midfielders Seydou Keita, Mahamane Traoré, Abdou Traoré, Bakaye Traoré, Samba Sow, Mohamed Kalilou Traoré, Samba Diakité, Sidy Koné

Forwards Modibo Maiga, Cheick Diabaté, Mustapha Yatabaré, Garra Dembélé

Seydou Keita

Mali

Mali had enough to see off Malawi 3-1 in Cabina, but failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals as a result of Angola’s controversial scoreless draw with Algeria.

Their elimination will come as a bitter disappointment to coach, Stephen Keshi, and his band of star players, who had targeted the competition’s Final pre-tournament.

Frederic Kanoute put the Eagles in front in under a minute and Seydou Keita was on the scoresheet moments later as Mali raced into a lead that may well have worked more to their downfall, than having a positive effect on qualification.

The early scoreline will undoubtedly have filtered through to the other fixture in Luanda. And with the Black Antelopes and Desert Foxes both requiring a draw to progress, neither side felt the urge to throw caution to the wind and settled for the result that saw both teams go home happy.

Mali began their match with a real sense of purpose and when an overly relaxed clearance from Malawi keeper, Swadick Sanudi, went straight to Kanoute, he finished neatly from almost 40 yards.

If the first goal was about opportunism, the second was all about power and accuracy. Just two minutes after the opener, Keita rifled an unstoppable free-kick over the wall and the keeper into the top left corner.

To their credit, Malawi then began to get a foothold in the game. An excellent turn and shot from Joseph Kamwendo forced a solid save from Mahamadou Sidibe in the 24th minute, and Peter Wadabwa should have scored a couple of moments later when he nudged a free header just over.

Mali also had opportunities to kill the game before half-time, with Mahamadou Bagayoko challenging Sanudi with a low shot in the 34th minute. The goalkeeper then clumsily blocked Lassana Fane’s powerful free kick before Bagayoko wasted a clear chance by heading wide.

The Flames continued to pressurise the Malian defence early in the second half, but failed to create anything clear cut until they reduced the deficit near the hour mark. The Eagles defence has struggled repeatedly throughout the competition and more confusion allowed Russel Mwafulirwa to nip in and pull one back.

Malawi could smell the next stage now but Sanudi was called to duty once again in the 61st minute as he denied Keita a second goal of the match with a fine save, punching the stinging snap shot out for a corner.

In the 70th minute Mwafulirwa missed a sitter as his misdirected header bounced off the ground and over the bar as another golden chance went begging.

The last 20 minutes was a tense affair as Malawi gained confidence, pushing forward but carefully making sure they were not exposed at the back.

However, Mali finished off the contest with four minutes remaining as Bagayoko met Modibo Maiga’s cross to head home.

Malawi can take pride in their contribution to the tournament, but for Mali it was bitter disappointment which was summed up by Bagayoko: “This is really disappointing. They changed the rules this year and we are out despite finishing ahead of Algeria [on goal difference]. It’s a pity because we have a really talented bunch of players. We had the weapons to do something at this African Nations Cup.”

Elimination may well be heartbreaking for the Eagles, but Angola 2010 will be remembered as another competition where they underachieved.

Mali: Sidibe, Berthe, Abdallaye Maiga (Sow 50), Diamoutene, Tamboura, El Hadj Traore (Diallo 60), Fane, Mohamed Sissoko, Keita, Kanoute (Modibo Maiga 81), Bagayoko.
Malawi: Sanudi, Mponda, Kafoteka (Chiukepo 52), Sangala, Chavula, Mwakasungula, Wadabwa (Nyondo 48), Kamwendo, Banda, Kanyenda (Ngambi 71), Mwafulirwa.
Ref: Rajin Seechurn (Mauritius).

Manager, Stephen Keshi, predicted big things pre-tournament, although many would argue apart from a 13-minute, four goal blitz that the Eagles have failed to show up in Angola. Wholesale changes were made between the opening two fixtures and star players Seydou Keita, Mohamed Sissoko and Frederic Kanoute have been left to warm the bench at various stages. Perhaps it could be argued that for a team who notoriously fail to deliver, consistency in selection could be a benchmark to reversing that trend.

Inconsistencies will be the last thing on Malawi minds though; as the carrot of surviving in the tournament will see the Flames create history. A victory will secure them a place in the knockout phase for the first time, while a draw and a favourable result in the other match could also see them progress.

The reality is far starker for the Malians. Sitting bottom of the group on one point, Keshi’s men must first defeat their opponents, while a comprehensive victory could prove all the more useful. Sealing that target over the Flames would see them overtaken and then a whole set of permutations would kick-in with regards to the Angola Algeria fixture.

A win or draw for Angola would see Mali progress at the expense of Algeria either by the odd point or on goal difference.

However, if the Algerians defeat the hosts, the Eagles qualification becomes more complex. Angola and Mali would only be separated by goal difference and with the Black Antelopes currently on +2, while Mali hold a -1 difference, the Eagles would need to ensure a sizeable win to overtake that margin.

Qualification aside, Mali needs to start playing with some form of fluidity and reduce the number of basic errors at the back. That leadership must first come from Keshi. This means selecting the best 11 at his disposal, with Sissoko and Mahamadou Diarra protecting the back four, enabling Keita to bomb forward in support of Kanoute.   

On paper at least, Malawi represents the weakest team Mali has faced. In spite of their stunning victory over the Desert Foxes that status remains unchanged. The Eagles must use this to pray on their inexperience and test their mettle. Having only picked up a point from their opening two games, the gods have smiled on Keshi’s men and left their destiny in their own hands. This is the perfect match for them to end their jittery performances, qualify with a solid display and significant victory.

Prediction: Mali 3 Malawi 0

French manufacturer, Airness, are represented solely at CAF 2010 by the Eagles and have invented a kit that combines Malian pride with the most fashionable and contemporary technology around.

The finished article is another modern, yet original, product that will help sustain and further enhance the already blossoming relationship between Mali and Airness. Keeping faith with the traditional white model, the Airness logo can be found stitched central, just below the neck, and again on the right hand sleeve.

The green, yellow and red of the Malian national flag are proudly displayed across the chest area, giving the jersey a certain individuality that is unique to the Malian identity. The emblem of Malian football is positioned on the left-hand chest, while the players’ number is on the right in a kind of comic-book style writing.

Going against the African grain of almost universal skin-tight sportswear, Airness have decided to maintain the traditional European loose-look.

The new strip attempts to break away from the 2008-09 version (seen below). With the previous top a model of sophistication and tidyness, the new look has made the national flag far more visible and colourful, whilst incorporating a more laid back style.

Airness have really gone all out with the latest strip to ensure both players and fans can feel comfortable with their latest release. If their opening match with Angola is anything to go by, it certainly encourages a little resiliency.

The Eagles were unable to build on their opening game heroics as they succumbed to a 43rd minute Rafik Halliche strike against Algeria in Cidadela on Thursday.

The match was viewed as an opportunity for Mali to send the World Cup qualifiers home after their horrific first game defeat to Malawi.

However, it was the Desert Foxes who hit back at their critics, leaving all four teams with a chance of qualification in the group’s final set of fixtures this Monday.

Before the game Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, sprung a massive surprise, when he opted to leave out star player, Frederic Kanoute – waiting till midway through the second half before allowing the striker to see any action.

It was Mali who started the match better though, and Mustapha Yatabare’s second-minute free-kick caused uncertainty in the Algerian defence. Unfortunately,  Mahamadou Diarra was unable to find a team-mate with his pull-back after beating Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi to the loose ball.

The Desert Foxes hit back when Karim Ziani’s swerving, dipping cross almost caught out Soumaila Diakite in the Mali goal as it struck the top of the crossbar.

Yatabare was proving a real handful for the Algerian defense and moments later he hit a powerful shot that flew just past the upright.

Even with the early chances though, neither team was able to get a foot hold on the game. Poor passing and scrappy play in midfield meant it was difficult for anyone to find a rhythm and most oppurtunities were occurring from set plays.

Addelkader Ghezzal headed just wide for the Desert Foxes after an excellent run and cross by Hassan Yedba, while Chaouchi in the Algerian goal continued to flap at anything that went near his six yard box.

However, flapping was a common theme at both ends and in the 43rd minute it led to the opening goal.

Mali defender, Bakary Soumare, was booked for a clattering challenge on Yacine Bezzaz – a caution that will see him miss the final group game.

From the resultant free kick, Karim Ziani’s inswinging cross was completely misjudged by Diakite, enabling Halliche to sneak in between three defenders and head Algeria into the lead.

The timing of the goal couldn’t have been better and with their tails up Ziani put another testing cross in just before the break that Mali only nervoulsy cleared, leaving Keshi with much talking to do at half-time.

The Eagles began the second half with more urgency about their play and Seydou Keita forced a fingertip save from Chaouchi from a tight angle, although he really should have pulled the ball back to one of his three team-mates in the box.

Mali’s big stars – Keita, Mohamed Sissoko and Diarra – were struggling to make any impression on the game as Algeria were outnumbering them in midfield and Madjid Bougherra having an excellent game at the back.

Yebda’s attempted long range effort for the Algerians then forced Diakite to scramble across his goal as the ball eventually ran wide.

Kanoute entered the fray in the 66th minute, but he was unable to stamp his authority on the game.

Algeria were happy to sit back and soak up pressure as the Eagles search for another late equaliser ended in vain.

Afterwards a disapointed Keshi said, “The Algerians deserved their win. Right now we’re bottom of the table. We’ll go away and prepare for our final group game against Malawi.”

Indeed Mali are bottom of the group and only a win over the Bandas will give them any hope of qualification. However, even that may not be enough.

Mali: Diakite, Soumare, Tamboura, Abdallaye Maiga, Berthe, Mohamed Sissoko (Fane 66), Diarra, Keita, Ndiaye (Kanoute 61), Yatabare (Diallo 59), Modibo Maiga.
Algeria: Chaouchi, Laifaoui, Belhadj, Bougherra, Halliche, Bezzaz (Bouazza 70), Mansouri, Yebda, Ziani, Matmour (Ziaya 90), Ghezzal (Saifi 80).
Ref: Muhmed Ssegonga (Zimbabwe).

The same may not be said of Algeria coach, Rabah Saadane. The former Yemen manager could only look on as he watched his side lie down like the proverbial, lambs to the slaughter, against supposed group featherweights, Malawi. Even the most gullible of supporters would have struggled to digest the Bandas’ 3-0 humiliation of the Desert Foxes.

This leaves Thursday’s meeting of the two on a knife-edge. Separated by a point, the Eagles will view this as an opportunity to send the Algerians home early. Saadane’s men may have started the tournament as group favourites, but by the time this game kicks-off in Luanda not one of Africa’s representatives in South Africa will have registered a victory in CAF 2010. A surprising fact considering only Ghana have still to open their campaign, yet one that adds fuel to an argument that the continent’s elite suffer from motivational issues in a World Cup year.

Another factor which could support the Malian cause is the return to form of Seydou Keita. The Barcelona man sat out all of Mali’s build-up matches and was deemed not fit enough to start against Angola. His 35th minute introduction may not have sparked an immediate switch in the momentum of the game, but Keita can claim to be the catalyst that helped snatch such an unlikely draw.

Keshi may well subscribe to this theory; however, his more pressing concern will lie in plugging a leaking defence that was cohesion-free on Sunday. Angola’s Flavio and Gilberto cut Mali to shreds in the opening period, while unnecessary challenges from Mamadou Bagayoko and Keita led to the concession of two soft penalties.

Step one of the remedy could see the return of Mohamed Sissoko. The Juventus man could sit just in front of the back four, alongside Mahamadou Diarra in a bid to thwart the attacking threat of Karim Ziani. However, Keshi may also opt to keep faith with the same backline that began against the Black Antelopes with orders to apply higher levels of focus and concentration.

Algeria may be in the firing line, but the Eagles must be aware of a backlash. Despite the embarrassing defeat to Malawi, the Desert Foxes still contain a lot of quality in Madjid Bougherra and Ziani, plus they have the experience of emerging from the recent infamous double-header with Egypt. Saadane will rigorously remind his players that the World Cup doesn’t start till June and they have a duty to perform for an expectant nation.

With the opening games in the group providing such shocks and drama, the battle for qualification is wide open. Angola will be desperate to see off Malawi in the evening kick-off, which makes an Algerian victory over Mali imperative for their hopes. However, the Eagles will have taken huge confidence from their first game and view anything other than defeat a step towards the knockout phase. The Desert Foxes are vulnerable right now; expect Keshi’s men to twist the knife.

Prediction: Mali 2 Algeria 1

Injury time strikes from Seydou Keita and Mustapha Yatabare helped Mali restore parity from four goals down and record possibly the most remarkable recovery in modern day international football.

The tournament began amongst a sombre atmosphere after the events that led to Togo’s withdrawal. However, the hosts started the match brightly until they were forced into an early substitution, with Djalma Campos replacing the injured Dede on 23 minutes.

Twelve minutes later and the Black Antelopes were in front. Manucho was fouled just outside the penalty area on the left. Gilberto sought out Flavio from the ensuing free-kick, instead of going for goal, and his cross was powerfully met by the Al-Shabab striker to leave Mahamadou Sidibe stranded.

The Malians were rocked and it was 2-0 within five minutes when Mabina found an unmarked Flavio with his cross from the right for a second headed goal.

Half-time couldn’t arrive quick enough for the stunned Eagles. And Stephen Keshi’s men began the second period with purpose as two chances fell in quick succession to Mahamadou Diarra and Frederic Kanoute, neither of whom could convert.

Shortly after and Mali were three down when Gilberto was fouled in the box by Mamadou Bagayoko after a fine counter-attack. The Al-Ahly man took the kick himself and blasted the ball home twice, after he was forced to re-take the initial spot-kick due to encroachment.

Seven minutes later and Keita, who had replaced Modibo Maiga on 35 minutes, made a clumsy challenge on Gilberto in the box and the referee handed Angola the opportunity to make it four.

This time Manucho sent Sidibe the wrong way to send the 11 November Stadium into ecstasy – blissfully unaware of the capitulation they were about to witness.

The recovery commenced with 11 minutes left on the clock when a corner from the left was fumbled by Carlos Fernandes and eventually poked home by Keita after a goalmouth scramble.

Two minutes remaining and Mali put together their best move of the match. Neat passing in midfield eventually saw the ball find its way to Adama Tamboura, whose decent cross was expertly headed past the keeper by Kanoute.

The hosts were now visibly nervous and when the fourth official signalled four minutes of injury time those nerves turned into physical shakes as the Angolan defence went missing.

Three minutes into injury time and Keita completed his brace as he placed a volley across the keeper and into the far side of the net to reduce the arrears to 4-3.

And then, just over a minute later, a Tamboura cross was volleyed goalwards, only to be parried straight to substitute, Yatabare, who smashed Mali level and sent his team into unbridled delirium.

Afterwards a shocked Keshi said, “It was a little difficult to believe we might come back. I’ve got mixed feelings, I’m happy with a draw but upset with my team.”

Mali play Algeria next on Thursday where they’ll hope a stronger defensive display may see them take control of Group A.

Angola: Carlos Fernandes; Rui Marques, Kali, Zuela, Mabina, Chara, Gilberto (82); Dede (Djalma 25), Stelvio; Flavio (Cabungula 84), Manucho.
Mali: Sidibe; Berthe, Soumare, Diamoutene, Tamboura, T Bakaye (Fane 57), M Diarra, Bagayoko (Yattabare 77), M Traore, Mobida (Keita 35), Kanoute.
Referee: Essam Abdel Fatah (Egypt)