Mali out for draw as Nigeria anticipate

Ivory Coast have six points and even a defeat won't threaten their campaign.

Mali are second on four points, three ahead of Nigeria after both teams settled for a goalless draw.

Should Mali lose and Nigeria win, the goal difference will be decisive.

Ivory Coast - Mali

Ivory Coast

"We have no preferences of opponent for the quarter-finals. If you want to become the champion of Africa you have to beat the big teams in the competition."

Captain Didier Drogba.

The Elephants are already in the quarter-finals, but they will be looking to avoid a clash with Group A leaders Ghana.

Team News: Ivory Coast will miss defensive rock Kolo Toure, who sustained a groin injury against Benin.

Steve Gohouri could take the Arsenal center-half's place.

Manager Gerard Gili may opt to rest some of his star-studded line-up, in an attempt to refresh the team before the last-eight battle.

Probable Line-up: Barry, Boka, Zoro, Gohouri, Meite, Y. Toure, Fae, Keita, Kalou, A. Kone, Sanogo

Mali

"If it's 0-0 with 20 or 25 minutes to go there won't be any 'deal', but perhaps the two teams will want to stabilize the game and break the rhythm in a certain way."

said Mohamadou Diarra.

Mali need a draw to go through, but they will surely aim a swipe at their opposition, in order to avoid Ghana in the quarters.

Team News: Real Madrid midfielder Diarra will miss the game through suspension after picking up a second booking against Nigeria.

Probable Line-up: M. Sidibe, A. Coulibaly, Diamoutene, Kante, Tambourda, Sissoko, A. Sidibe, Keita, D. Sidibe- Kanoute, Traore.

Nigeria vs. Benin

Nigeria

"We know that one point in two games is not enough, now our only hope is God and Ivory Coast."

Coach Berti Vogts.

Team News: Nigeria will miss captain Nwankwo Kanu, who is out with a knee injury.

Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana will also miss the game through suspension.

Probable Line-up: Ejide, Nwaneri, Taiwo, Yobo, Shittu- Mikel, Etuhu, Nsofor, Odemwingie, Martins, Yakubu.

Benin

"We know we are already out of the competition but a few of us in the team particularly those of us with Nigerian parents have a point or two to prove."

Razak Omotoyossi.

The Squirrels will look to register their first ever win in CAN competitions against their high-profile neighbors.

Team News: Benin have no injury concerns.

Probable Line-up: Chitou, Adenon, Adjomassi, Boco, Chrystostome- Gaspoz, Ahoueya, Sesegnon, S. Tchomogo, Omotoyossi, O. Tchomogo.