CHAN 2016: Cote d’Ivoire, Mali battle for final spot

Cote d’Ivoire will attempt to keep their momentum going when they face arch-rivals Mali in the second semi-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda this afternoon.

The match at Kigali's Stade Regional Nyamirambo will mark the 33rd clash between the two nations.

 The Elephants, who have twice failed to go beyond the group stage in the biennial championship, confirmed their place with a stunning 3-0 extra-time win over another West African side Cameroun in the quarter-finals.

Mali also showed they were no pushovers in their 2-1 comeback win over pre-tournament favourites and former title holders, Tunisia, to reach their first-ever CHAN semi-finals.

Yesterday, DR Congo edged Guinea 5-4 on penalties to reach the final of the tourney for the second time.

The Congolese, winners of the maiden edition in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire, were on the brink of victory after TP Mazembe forward Jonathan Bolingi headed them into the lead in extra time, only for Guinea to draw level with virtually the last kick through Ibrahima Sory Sankhon. —cafonline