Mali are contesting a remarkable fifth semi-final from just seven Nations Cup appearances but the Eagles have yet to return to the final since reaching it on their tournament debut in 1972 - only to lose to Congo.

They have not scored in their three semi-finals since which does not bode well ahead of their Libreville clash with tournament favourites Ivory Coast, who have won the side's two previous Nations Cup encounters.

Unlike the Elephants, Mali have already been beaten at these finals - losing 2-0 to Group D winners Ghana - and now face a side who have won all their games, while netting eight goals without conceding.

"Their results reflect the quality of the squad - a team with talent and lots of potential," says Giresse. "But we'll stop there. We don't want the players to fear Ivory Coast. You can't prepare for a game like that."

Mali needed penalties to beat co-hosts Gabon in Sunday's quarter-final, while the Ivorians sailed through their match against fellow co-host Equatorial Guinea on Saturday, winning 3-0.

The Elephants, who boast a vastly superior record against the Eagles in all previous encounters, are aiming to reach their second final from four tournaments - and only their third overall after winning the title in 1992.

After failing to lift recent Nations Cups despite their favourites tag, coach Francois Zahoui will not take Mali lightly - with the Ivorian having firmly placed the need for results over playing style at this tournament.

"Many so-called favourites have gone home," he says. "It's a very good challenge and we'll approach it with humility and determination. We remain focused, knowing we face a team that beat the host country."

It will be tough for Mali to get luck today, as usually Drougba will perform.

Hahahaha Ivory Coast would defo go thru this,

Ivory coast will make it to the final

this will be the toughest game for the elephants . . . .please oh una play well oh

the teams just arrived . . . .

choi my yaya

pele meets the teams.

yaya

Mali's anthem . , .

choi hear voices o

CIV's anthem

Yyaaaayyyyyaaaaaaaa

what's with kalou and war face paint? lol gervy is you chewing ya mouth?

hehehehehe this other lines man na midget

min silence for Egypt . ,

aww see eboue clown

Mali can't win this, not possible, they just don't have the complete team for this.

Game onnn

na wa o

wetin do you na

lets go there

mukina2:

na wa o

wetin do you na 

nothing i dey house with you  , hope you enjoy the Mapouka dance ( mayouka goal ) against ghana 

shuuush jor lol

yaya's freekick . . . .nothing

han han samba wan wound our rasta?

OMG!!!!
see how bar save Mali

Mali keeper na real barthez

nooo crossbar  

dem wan finish drogba leg   and drogba knows how to fall  

corner for CIV!!! good freekick!

omo keita get huge task today o , against yaya mukina2 in that midfield ,

see drogba free kick ,  supporting Civ today because of Drogba and Mukina2  

Mali coach wan slap persin  

it seems ivory coast is trying to smother the Malians already