Cote d' Ivoire defeats Mali 3-0 on Tuesday. (Xinhua Photo)
ACCRA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Out of expectations of many soccer pundits, Mali was defeated by Cote d' Ivoire 3-0 on Tuesday and ended its trip in the 26th Africa Nations Cup in the group stage.
Before the match in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Mali had stood a better chance than Nigeria to gain a position in the quarter-finals thanks to its draw with the Super Eagles. It needed just one point while Nigeria would have to face a "must-win" match.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba put an end to the sedentary rhythm in the ninth minute by curling a pass from Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure and netting for The Elephants. With renewed efforts in the second half, Marc Zoro used a corner and brought another goal with a header. Cote d'Ivoire substitute Boubacar Sanogo scored with a close-range shot with five minutes left.
Cote d' Ivoire defeats Mali 3-0 on Tuesday. (Xinhua Photo)
Nigeria overpass Mali as it defeated Benin 2-0 in the southern Ghanaian city of Sekondi while Mali beat Benin only 1-0. The SuperEagles and The Elephants marched into the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will face the challenge of the host Ghana in Accra next Sunday while Cote d'Ivoire will play against Guinea in Sekondi on the same day.
