Ivory Coast 4-1 Benin
Match report

Nigeria 0-0 Mali
Match report

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

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By Russell Barder

2137: So, that's it for another day folks.

It's been some day in Group B with Ivory Coast securing their passage through to the quarter-finals, while Nigeria's fate is now out of their own hands.

Tomorrow it's Group C's turn in the limelight when Egypt take on Sudan and Cameroon face Zambia.

Thanks for all your input and we'll see you back here at the same time tomorrow.

2134: "I think we played very well today and we need a little bit of luck. We're still in the tournament so we'll see heat happens."
Nigeria's John Obi Mikel

Not sure many people will agree with those sentiments Mr Mikel.

2127: "Nigeria have good players, but not a team. They didn't prepare well and they paid for it."
Emmanuel from Nigeria via the text.

2120: FULL-TIME Nigeria 0-0 Mali
That's it for this one then, the first goalless draw of this year's Cup of Nations. It's not all over for Nigeria, a win against Benin might still be enough but only if Ivory Coast beat Mali.

The Eagles just need a point from their clash with the Elephants to progress, while the Ivorians will be dancing on the streets of Sekondi as their place in the last eight is secured.

2118: What a chance for Kanoute to win it for Mali. The ball was rolled into him in the penalty area, but he miscued his shot and Ajide breathed a huge sigh of relief.

2117: We've got three minutes of injury time. Can anyone get the breakthrough? It's all Nigeria at the moment, but they just can't carve out any clear cut openings.

2115: Makinwa is the latest Nigerian to test Sidibe, but again it is easily saved.

2112: Mahamadou Diarra picks up a yellow card and he'll miss the final group game with Ivory Coast.

2108: Keita is denied by the woodwork for Mali. His right-footed strike from 25-yards had Ejide beaten but it clipped the top of the bar. The game's livening up now, at the other end Mikel fires just wide from the edge of the area.

2107: "There is a growing anxiety amongst the Nigeria fans. Some of them have even stopped beating their drums."
BBC World Service's Oluwashina Okeleji in Sekondi

Things must be bad if the drums have stopped beating.

2105: Finally the ball ends up in the back of the net, but it's ruled out for offside. It was Yakubu who got the final touch to score for Nigeria, but he was in an offside position.

2104: A game that promised so much is slowly fading into the abyss. Nigeria have resorted to playing long balls while Mali seem happy to settle for a draw.

2101: Mali make their first change, Mamadou Diallo is on to replace the hard-working Dramane Traore.

2100: Yakubu shanks an effort well, well wide and the Nigerian fans' dissatisfaction begins to grow. They're starting to run out of ideas out there, they some inspiration from somewhere.

2058: Substitute Uche gets a shot in on goal from close range, but again Sidibe had no trouble in mopping that one up.

2056: Just as I say that, Danny Shittu tries his luck from all of 40-yards. It's easily gathered up by Sidibe though.

2055: Looks like we're heading for the first goalless game of the tournament, neither side look capable of getting a break through. After the earlier blockbuster, this is turning into a bit of a flop. Still, we have over 20 minutes left for something special to happen.

2049: "The Nigerian players are passing the ball with the hope that they might just receive it...compared to the Malians who are purposefully passing to their team mates."brigadierYY on 606
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2045: Nigeria certainly aren't looking like the number one team in Africa at the moment as Nsofor completely mis-hits his shot. The ball falls to Yakubu but Malian goalkeeper Mahamadou Sidibe dives bravely at his feet and gets hurt in the process. He's ok to continue though.

2044: Odemwingie is replaced by Ikechukwu Uche as Berti Vogts tries to change things around.

2042: "The mood of the Nigerian fans is getting worse as the match carries on. All the talk at half-time was that we are 45 minutes away from our exit and that Vogts must be replaced for engineering these poor performances."
BBC World Service's Oluwashina Okeleji in Sekondi

2041: Traore battles his way into the penalty area, but Yobo eventually gets a foot in and the ball bounces harmlessly clear. A few seconds later, Sidibe blazes wildly over despite having Kanoute well placed in the middle.

2039: "An Eagle that is not swift, can't prey and can't devour chickens, cannot claim to be Super."
Ken via the text
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An interesting analogy that one Ken.

2035: Kanoute fires in another long range effort but his shot goes well wide. It's been a bright start by Mali in this second half.

2033: Seydou Keita has plenty of time to get a shot away and forces a good save from Austin Ejide. The Nigerian goalkeeper then gets nowhere near the resulting corner, but he gets away with his mistake.

2031: Mali get the second half under way. One surprise change for Nigeria, John Utaka is on for Obafemi Martins.

2017: HALF-TIME Nigeria 0-0 Mali

2015: We're into the second minute of added time and there isn't a lot to report I'm afraid.

2014: "I've watched 3 games in the tournament so far and seen 2 goals. Talk about bad luck..."
mcpake19 on 606
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2011: Seydou Keita's out-swinging free-kick is met by the head of Moussa Coulibaly, but he couldn't keep it down and the ball flies over for a goal-kick.

2009: Want away Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko bursts through the middle into the penalty area and takes a tumble. Referee decides not to give a penalty. It was difficult to see if he was caught or not, but Joseph Yobo certainly let the Malian midfielder know what he thought of it.

2006: Seyi Olofinjana picks up the first yellow card of the evening with a rash challenge. He'll miss the next game against Benin thanks to that.

2003: "News of Ivory Coast's 4-1 win over Benin has only hardened the belief of the Nigerian fans. Some told me they expect the Super Eagles to score four against Mali to answer their rivals."
BBC World Service's Oluwashina Okeleji in Sekondi

2000: "Nigeria will struggle if Mali score first."
TheTruthabtFooty on 606
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1955: Another long range effort, this time from Mali's Sammy Traore. The game is pleasing on the eye, but neither team is creating any clear-cut chances.

1951: In answer to those of you on 606, the last 0-0 was actually the final two year's ago in Egypt. The Egyptians triumphed 4-2 on penalties.
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1948: Odemwingie sets up Yakubu after an excellent run but his shot is comfortably saved by Sidibe.

1946: Martins cuts inside and tries his luck from distance, but his low skidding shot is well saved by Mahamadou Sidibe in the Mali goal. First real effort from Nigeria.

1944: Mali are really starting to test the Nigerian defence with some neat little moves, but so far there has been no end product.

1941: Both teams have been quite tentative in the opening exchanges. However, Tamboura profits after two Nigerian players collide but he fizzes his shot across the face goal.

1936: A lively start by Nigeria and Yakubu races onto a through ball but is adjudged to have fouled the Mali defender. Obinna Nsofor then blazes his shot over the bar as the Super Eagles look for an early goal.

1933: More news on that story we told you about earlier involving some of the Sudan squad and the Egyptian media -
Sudan players involved in fracas

1931: "If the Super Eagles lose to the Eagles, they'll have to switch nicknames. It's only fair."
NazKing on 606
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1930: Nigeria get us under way for the second time today here in Sekondi.

1926: No place for Kanu or John Utaka in Nigeria's starting line-up, they both drop to the bench. There is a great noise inside the stadium once again.

1925: "People need to remember that Nigeria's super eagles are only a sleeping giant that will wake up in their game against Mali today."
tedysworld on 606

1924: Here we go again then ladies and gents for tonight's second course. A great starter was served up by the Elephants and the Squirrels, now it's the turn of the Super Eagles and just the plain Eagles.

1916: A lot of you on 606 and via the text are tipping Mali to beat Nigeria in the late kick off. One thing that is for certain, the Super Eagles will have to play a lot better than they did against Ivory Coast. Should be an interesting match this one.
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1906: At half-time during the Nigeria and Mali game, approximately 2015 GMT, we will be streaming a live forum from the BBC's Africa Cup of Nations TV coverage in the UK.

Presenter Jake Humphrey will be joined again by BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks and former Nigeria striker, Efan Ekoku.

You could get your question asked by simply posting it on our 606 forum.
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1903: TEAM NEWS:
Nigeria: Ejide, Yobo, Taiwo, Nwaneri, Shittu, Obi, Olofinjana, Odemwingie, Obinna, Yakubu, Martins.
Subs: Aiyenugbu, Enyeama, Afolabi, Apam, Emeghara, Eromoigbe, Etuhu, Okonkwo, Utaka, Kanu, Makinwa, Uche.

Mali: Mahamadou Sidibe, Tamboura, Adama Coulibaly, Diamoutene, Amadou Sidibe, Kante, Diarra, Keita, Mohamed Sissoko, Kanoute, Dramane Traore.
Subs: Soumalia Diakite, Oumar Sissoko, Moussa Coulibaly, Dembele, Kone, Drissa Diakite, Sammy Traore, Djibril Sidibe, Diallo, Dissa, Mamady Sidibe, Toure.

Referee: El Abderrahim (Morrocco)

1854:FINAL SCORE Ivory Coast 4-1 Benin
That was another great advert for this tournament. Benin kept going right until the end and could have added to their solitary goal. Credit to Ivory Coast for an almost polished performance and that win almost guarantees them a place in the quarter finals.

Next up it's Nigeria against Mali in the battle of the Eagles. More of the same would go down quite nicely.

1851: "That was only the second goal Benin have ever scored in the Africa Cup of Nations."
BBC Sport commentator Simon Brotherton

1850:GOAL Ivory Coast 4-1 Benin
Benin score a deserved goal just as the fourth official indicates three minutes of added time. Omotoyossi is the man who scored it, his powerful header is unstoppable.

1847: Chitou follows his opposite number's lead again this time with a great save from Sanogo. Half the ground though his right foot drive went in but it actually hit the side netting. Moments later, Sanogo goes into the referee's book for an obvious dive.

1845: Another chance for Benin. Sessegnon gets to the byeline and for some reason tries to power in a shot from an impossible angle. Needless to say the ball flashes harmlessly wide. Ivory Coast have really gone off the boil in the last 10 minutes and there is a goal in this game for Benin if they want it.

1843: Barry redeems himself with a great save from Oumar Tchomogo's powerful effort. He struck it really well from the corner of the area, but Barry saved well down to his left. Benin are still trying to score at least one goal here.

1838: I think the goalkeepers are trying to out-do each other here. Chitou rushes out of his goal and sends his clearance straight to the opposition. Luckily for him he gets away with it.

1837: "Barry is keeping this game interesting. One of the Benin players should try their luck from the half way line."
lean_go on 606
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1834: A comedy moment in the Ivory Coast defence. Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry makes a hash of catching the ball but luckily Eboue is on hand to chest back to his keeper. He's definitely the weak link in this team.

1828: We have a break in play as Abdoulaye Meite receives some treatment after a clash with Omotoyossi. While that's going on, Didier Drogba is brought off and is replaced by Boubacar Sanogo.

1826: "That's a more difficult header than the two he's missed."
BBC Sport TV co-commentator Mark Bright

1824: GOAL Ivory Coast 4-0 Benin
And there is the fourth. Finally Dindane gets himself on the scoresheet. Some great play by Drogba to flick the ball across goal and Dindane is on hand to head home. The goal is greeted by yet another fleet-footed dance by the Ivorians, they're enjoying themselves out there.

1819: Another chance for Ivory Coast. This time Dindane heads straight at Chitou from about seven yards, either side of the goalkeeper and it would have been 4-0.

1813:GOAL Ivory Coast 3-0 Benin
An awful goal for Benin to concede and this game is as good as over. Goalkeeper Chitou passes the ball out to Chrysostome who is slow to react and Keita is on hand to coolly slot the ball into the back of the net.

1811: Word reaches us from Ghana that a fight broke out this afternoon between some of the Sudan team and the Egyptian media ahead of their game on Saturday. We'll bring you more on this soon.

1809: A much quieter start to the second half. Dindane has the Ivorians' first effort on goal but he heads Drogba's cross clean over the bar.

1807: "It's pretty certain that Drogba and his crew will have their tummies full of yummy roasted squirrels, relaxingly picking their teeth in the hotel later..."
cravencottagefarts on 606
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I've never had squirrel myself, so couldn't verify if they are indeed "yummy". I'll take your word for it.

1806: We're under way once again.

1804: The teams are coming back out. After that breathless first-half, let's hope for more of the same in the second.

1803: Different banners with pictures of different players are tied round the stadium banisters as fans openly express their loyalty to some players.

Oh, and of course, travelling fans of Nottingham Forest, VFB Stuttgart are not left out on the banner razzmatazz.
BBC World Service's Oluwashina Okeleji in Sekondi

1801: "It is expected according to tradition that Nigeria will qualify from the group. Anything short of this will affect the glamour of the tournament."
Choox-Nigeria via text
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1757: At half-time during today's later game between Nigeria and Mali, we will once again be streaming a live forum from the BBC's Africa Cup of Nations TV coverage in the UK.

Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku and BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks will join presenter Jake Humphrey's in the studio in London.

Amongst other things, they'll be discussing the power struggle in African football between those countries from the north of the continent and those from the west.

We'd like you to share your views and you could get your question asked by simply posting it on our 606 forum.
Post your questions on 606

1756: "Good Job Ivory Coast. Keep African football alive when Cameroon and Nigeria are sleeping."
alinov on 606
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1754: A cracking half of football once again at this tournament. You have to feel a little sorry for Benin after they held Ivory Coast for so long. But the Elephants showed their class as the first-half wore on and it's hard to see a way back into this game for the Squirrels.

1751:HALF-TIME Ivory Coast 2-0 Benin

1749: Toure is back on the pitch, but he's down again holding his groin. Steve Gohuri is coming on to replace the Arsenal defender.

1748: Ivory Coast mean business now. Dindane is the latest to burst through but his shot lacked quality and it drifted harmlessly wide.

1746: After helping his team double their advantage, Kolo Toure is stretchered off and looks in some pain. There's four minutes of injury time at the end of this half.

1743: GOAL Ivory Coast 2-0 Benin
Kolo Toure sets up his brother Yaya for Ivory Coasts second of the match. The Arsenal defender jinked his way past two Benin defenders before playing the ball across goal and his younger brother could hardly miss from inside the six yard box.

1740:GOAL Ivory Coast 1-0 Benin
Didier Drogba gives the Elephants the lead with a lovely left-foot finish that beats the keeper. Yaya Toure played in the Chelsea striker with a great pass and Drogba did the rest.

1736: Benin captain Oumar Tchomogo decides to shoot from all of 30 yards direct from a free-kick, but he cracks it against the wall.

1734: Drogba spanks another effort over the bar, when he really should have buried it. A great run and cut back from Kalou set up the opportunity.

1733: Kalou has just picked up a booking and will miss the final group game against Mali.

1732: Things have calmed down a bit and Benin seem to be holding there own. Both sides have had chances, but there is not much between them. One of my BBC colleagues has just said that the Squirrels are proving a tough nut to crack.

1729: "Ironically but not surprising the fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria are applauding every Benin move here today."
BBC World Service's Oluwashina Okeleji in Sekondi

1723: In answer to Higglesworth on 606, the pitch is looking in pretty good shape. I believe it is in Accra where most of the problems are. Read more about it here
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1721: One Ivorian fan must be sweating buckets as he sports a fantastic orange Elephant costume that includes an impressive trunk.

1720: Drogba's down after being caught flush on the ankle by Anicet Adjamonsi. To be fair he did get the ball first.

1717: A short break in play after an almighty clash of heads between Kalou and Damien Chrysostome. Kalou's fine, but the Benin player was carried off and doesn't look in good shape.

1715: What a strike from distance from Sessegnon that Boubacar Barry can only parry. It dipped in front of the goalkeeper and he did well to keep it out.

1712: Two more chances for Ivory Coast. First Drogba shoots straight at Chitou, before his Chelsea team-mate volleys wide from a cross from the right.

1710: Dindane somehow heads against the post when completely unmarked, while moments earlier Razack Omotoyossi races through and fires wide for Benin. End-to-end stuff in Sekondi.

1710: Benin goalkeeper Rachad Chitou flaps around in his area but eventually gathers the ball up.

1708: Dindane's strapping has been sorted by the looks of things and he's back on the pitch.

1707: "Anyone ever seen a Squirrel take on an Elephant... And win?"
jdnp_cfc_gh on 606
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1703: A wild effort from Didier Drogba flies over the bar.

1703: "A fan told me the Africa Cup of Nations is under house arrest - it won't be leaving Ghana."
BBC World Service's Farayi Mungazi at the Sekondi Stadium

1702: The referee seems to be unhappy with the strapping on Aruna Dindane's hand and he is ordered off the pitch. We had this yesterday with jewellery and the like.

1700: Ivory Coast's players are in deep discussion with the referee before eventually getting the game underway.

1652: The teams are greeted to a cacophony of noise as they line-up for the national anthems. Again the stadium is not very full but from the noise the fans are making you would think it was a full house.

1645: Quarter of an hour before the first kick-off of the day. Anybody think the Squirrels will be able to resist the Elephants' stampede? I just love these nicknames, it's a journalist's dream.

1642: "Nigeria will qualify for the final and win the cup."
Levi from Nigeria on text

1637: TEAM NEWS:
Ivory Coast make one change from the team that beat Nigeria with Abdelkader Keita coming in for Steve Gohouri.

Just the one change for Benin as well, Stephane Sessegnon replaces Jonas Oketola.

Ivory Coast: Barry, Boka, Eboue, Meite, Toure, Zokora,Toure Yaya, Dindane, Keita, Drogba, Kalou.
Subs: Tiassa Kone, Loboue, Zoro, Djakpa, Gohouri, Fae, Romaric, Tiene, Gervinho, Arouna Kone, Sanogo, Bakari Kone.

Benin: Chitou, Adenon, Boco, Adjamossi, Chrysostome, Gaspoz, Ahoueya, Sessegnon, Seidath Tchomogo, Omotoyossi, Oumar Tchomogo.
Subs: Amoussou, Djidonou, Seka, Oketola, Rouga, Koukou, Traore, Oladipikpo, Ouzerou, Maiga, Soglo, Ogunbiyi.

1630 GMT: Day Six of the Nations Cup and we are back to the Sekondi Sports Stadium and Group B for two intriguing encounters.

Ivory Coast are up against Benin in today's first match. The Elephants beat Nigeria 1-0 in their first game and have been hotly tipped to win the tournament for the second time.

The Squirrels have been rocked by the revelation that coach Reinhard Fabisch was asked to fix his side's opening game with Mali, which they lost 1-0.

Tonight's clash pits Africa's top-ranked team (according to FIFA rankings) Nigeria against Mali, with both teams looking for a win for different reasons.

I'm looking for plenty of lively chit-chat and debate via the text and on 606, so make sure you get involved and give us your views on the Africa Cup of Nations so far.
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