Can Ivory Coast Make The Next Stage?

Everyone seems to be too sure about the Ivoirians qualification after just one game. After defeating Nigeria it is natural for everyone to start thinking they are going to win the title. Experience has shown that when this happens, it usually never comes to pass. But let’s just wait and see.

One can not really say the Ivoirians will qualify for the next stage and how about if Mali and Nigeria qualify ahead of Ivory Coast?

Let’s look at the possibilities. The Ivorians have a game against Benin today and no one can rule out a draw in that game yet. If the Malians lose to Nigeria today as I know they will, that will throw the group wide open the the Ivorians leading with 4 points. Nigeria and Mali will then have 3 points each.

You probably see what i am talking about.
The Malians will now need an outright win against Ivory Coast and that will sure be difficult for the Elephants to deal with.

With this even The Eagles of Mali can top the group and even the Elephants can fail to qualify. It doesn’t take anything other than an upset (a draw with Benin) today especially with Didier Saying the most important thing has been done which is beating Nigeria. In extension no other team is strong enough to stop the Elephant. Therefore Benin maybe underrated.
This may sound like wishful saying for now. But let’s see what happens today.

The Eagles should concentrate on claiming the entire 3 points in today’s match. After then, we’ll see.

Emmanuel Ekanem is admin of Naija Football Fans Forum