Congo-Kinshasa/Mali: Talent-Filled Mali Smother Leopards

Cheick Diabate of Mali, left, as the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
29 January 2013

Durban — Mali’s deep resources of talent in the midfield proved the determining factor in their qualification on Monday for the African Nations Cup quarter-finals, ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo in their match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

They dominated the battle for possession, smothered the opponent’s attempts at pushing forward and ensured a haltering game that did not allow for any free flowing play.

The tactical acumen of Seydou Keita and the surges forward of players like Samba Diakite, Samba Sow and, when he came on as a second-half substitute, Khalilou Traore, effectively kept Congo having to defend when they were the team seeking the victory.

Needing just to draw to make sure of their progress, Mali recovered from an early setback to put a stranglehold on the game and were never under any real threat.

But as much as their midfield is a dominant force, so they have shown a vulnerability in defence, as well as attack, that denies them a balanced line-up.

They changed their two lead strikers for the game against the Congolese after failing to score in their previous game against Ghana.

Mahamadou Samassa, who competes in Serie A in Italy, responded with the equaliser in the 14th minute after Congo had taken a shock early lead.

It was a simple tap-in but one of only two chances he had all game.

Cheikh Tidiane Diabate, dropped to the bench, came on to look lively in the closing stages but this at a time when Congo were having to push forward.

Mentally Mali seemed strong. This comes from the confidence built up at the last Nations Cup, when they were unexpected bronze medal winners.

Again making it to the knockout stage will further boost their self belief.

South Africa are their next opponents in the last eight. The match is in Durban on Saturday.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.