7th February 2012

Ivory Coast vs Mali Betting: Ivory Coast can continue to win without conceding a goal

Ivory Coast went into the African Nations Cup as the favourites to win the competition and they have the chance to make it into the final on Wednesday when they take on Mali in the second semi final of the competition. Ivory Coast eased past co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the quarter finals while Mali took out the other co-hosts Gabon on penalties. Unsurprisingly Ivory Coast are warm 1/2 favourites with Blue Square to win this semi final.

Not only have Ivory Coast made it into the semi finals of this competition but they have done so without conceding a goal. You could argue if you was a critic of theirs that they haven’t really played anyone of a top level yet but even so four games without conceding is impressive. It’s also a sign of how their coach sets them up. They are hard to break down and with the likes of Gervinho, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou up front goals are expected.

Mali haven’t been as convincing in this tournament but they have stood up when it has mattered and find themselves in the semi finals. Their win over Gabon in the last round, albeit on penalties, was impressive as the co-hosts had been the eye catching side of the tournament until that match. Gabon hit the woodwork twice in that match so Mali could feel their name is on the trophy. Seydou Keita scored the winning penalty in that quarter final and he’ll be key if Mali are to get a result here.

I don’t see Ivory Coast losing this semi final. They are the strongest side in the competition defensively, in midfield and up front and I fully expect them to have too much power and pace for Mali in the key areas. Once again I think the Ivorians will be set up tight at the back and so I’m happy to take the favourites to win this match to nil too.

Back Ivory Coast to win to nil for a 4/10 stake at 2.20 with Blue Square

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