Analysis
Stories of unrest due to the current war in Mali have fully powered the country’s national football team to succeed in South Africa. The players, led by iconic captain Seydou Keita, carry the hopes of millions of fans back home who anxiously seek relief from their on-going sufferings marked by lack of freedom and a destroyed economic system. Clinching glory in football may not end the war but it will certainly put joy in the hearts of the people of Mali.
At the 2013 AFCON, the Malians seem to have lost the attacking instinct that saw them book a place in the tournament through a 7-1 aggregate victory over Botswana. In each of their matches, they have scored nothing more than a goal but this has proven to be enough to put them in the semi-finals. Once again, they will need to call on a high level of concentration and maintain a tight defence to avoid defeat against Nigeria.
Against the odds, the latter got the better of AFCON 2012 runners-up Ivory Coast last Sunday. Now, Stephen Keshi and his team stand a chance of making the final of the competition. It is in the semis that the Super Eagles stumbled so many times in the past. The national team’s cabinet is not short of bronze medals after claiming the third spot four times in the 21st century (in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010). What has been missing since 1994 is the golden CAN trophy.
Considering how Mali and Nigeria have played thus far, spectators may not witness great football in terms of performances. One moment of luck from either side could decide the match. If it goes to penalties, Mali could emerge as the favourites. They would feel confident of emulating what they achieved against South Africa in the Last 8. That said, the Nigerians might try to settle the game within 90 minutes.
Nigeria’s most recent match stats (2-1 win against Ivory Coast)
Ball possession: 50 per cent; Corners: 3; Shots on target: 4; Shots wide: 7; Fouls: 18; Offsides: 2
Mali’s most recent match stats (1-1; 3-1 on penalties win against South Africa)
Ball possession: 46 per cent; Corners: 6; Shots on target: 6; Shots wide: 11; Fouls: 16; Offsides: 3
Prediction
Nigeria 2-1 Mali
