African Cup of Nations 2012 Ivory Coast 1-0 Mali

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IVORY COAST 1 0 MALIA superb solo run from forward Gervinho gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Mali in the African Cup of Nations semi final and set up an allorange final clash with Zambia on Sunday.The first half goal from the Arsenal forward was the only goal in the game and the clean sheet for the Ivorians means they havent conceded in the whole tournament so far. Gervinho settled a tight game on the stroke of half-time as he ran unimpeded from the halfway line to curl home the match-winner from close range. It was a deserved victory for Francois Zahouis side and they go on now to take part in the final knowing they have a great chance of winning the cup for the first time since their sole victory in 1992.In the other semi final Ghana were shocked by surprise package Zambia 10, the result knocking out one of the pretournament favourites and allowing the Zambians to participate in their first ever African Cup of Nations final.Pre-Match Team News:Mali coach Alain Gire se made two changes to the team that was victorious against Gabon inm the quarter final, replacing injured duo Modibo Maiga and Abdou Traore with Mustapha Yatabare and Tidiane Cheick Diabate. Cole Kmet Jersey The latter scored that all-important late equaliser against Gabon in Sundays quarter-final.For the Elephants, coach Francois Zahoui made three changes to his line-up. Out went Max Gradel, Arthur Boka and Kafoumba Coulibaly, to be replaced by the fully fit again Salomon Kalou, Cheik Tiote and Siaka Tiene.Match Report:There were some big names watching from the stands at theStade dAgondje in Libreville, with Gabon President Ali Bongo mixing with UEFA President Michel Platini and Brazilian legend Pele. They werent treated to a rush of goals in this tight affair, but there was plenty of ability, hard work and pa sion being showcased by the orange of Ivory Coast and the white of Mali.The first chance fell the way of Ivory Coasts captain and talisman Didier Drogba. They won a free kick near the corner flag just five minutes into the game and the delivery of the cro s was met by the powerful Chelsea striker Andy Dalton Jersey , whose headed effort smacked off the post. It was a sign of intent from the Elephants that they were determined to reach the final.Toure follows Drogba in hitting woodworkAfter the first fifteen minutes or so, the Mali defence were taking a battering but were holding up pretty well. After seeing Drogba hit the woodwork, fellow English Premier League player Yaya Toure repeated theaction, this time hitting the bar with a shot from eight yards out after a nice lay off from Saloman Kalou. The Mali fans breathed a huge sigh of relief, and perhaps a bit of frustration that their team couldnt threaten the Ivorians at the other end.After 35 minutes in the semi final clash in Gabon, Mali were having a decent amount of po se sion but were failing to get that final ball just right. The Ivory Coast defensive backline were solid and were taking no prisoners, Kolo Toure and Souleyman Bamba cutting rather imposing figures at centre back.Ivorians get deserved goalIvory Coast finally got the breakthrough after a series of good opportunities had been wasted, with Gervinhos individual goal coming right on the stroke of half time. The Arsenal winger took the ball on a run for 55 yards, starting from his own half and finishing a few yards from the goalkeeper, where he curled past Mali goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite for the opening goal. It was a terrific run from Gervinho but serious questions have to be asked of the Mali defence for allowing him to run with the ball for so long unchallenged.The second half was a much more scrappy affair with both teams losing the ball in po se sion on regular occasions and players were receiving knocks from carele s fouls by the opposition. The game suited Ivory Coast however, as they had the all important goal in the game to lead it.Malian pre sure lackingAs the clock ticked towards the end of the game, the Malian players rarely gave Ivory Coast keeper Boubacar Barry a save to make and didnt trouble their defence too much. Without much incident, Ivory Coast played down the time to the end of the game, plus its four minutes added on time. Their fans sensed the game was all over once the added time board went up, as the hordes of orange jumped up and down. There were an estimated 7,000 fans from the Ivory Coast and they were not afraid to show their delight.Their joy was shortlived as the final whistle blew, sending them to the final to face Zambia. The Elephants were joint favourites to win the whole competition along with Ghana but now the Black Stars are Brian Johnson Jersey out, few will bet against a Drogba-led Ivory Coast who have yet to concede a single goal in the tournament so far.Man of the Match:Manchester Citys combative midfielder Yaya Toure is a vital cog in the machine of his club and country and proved that with his performance. He bo sed the midfield from start to finish and was unluvky to not have got his name on the score-sheet when his close-range shot smacked off the upright in the first half. Toure will be instrumental in the final no doubt and if Zambia are to get past Ivory Coast, they will need to somehow stop the powerful midfielder from doing his job. 8/10
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