Coach of Mali national team, Alain Giresse has said that his side face a tough task on their hands when they play the mighty Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-final of the CAN 2012 at Libreville on Wednesday
Mali coach, Alain Giresse has certainly transformed Les Aigles as one of the most dominating sides in Africa. Currently 69 in FIFA rankings, Giresse has instilled a lot of self-confidence in a talented yet over-exhuberant Malian side.
On Wednesday, Mali will play Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations at Libreville. And Giresse knows that his side has a tough task on their hands when they face the Ivorians who have simply stormed their way into the last-four of
the competition.
Mali eliminated co-hosts http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mali-c2951 have never won the African Cup of Nations with the 1972 version of the tournament the only time they came close to winning it.
In 2008 and 2010, Mali did not progress from the group stages but this time around, Giresse has changed things.
The likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Abdou-Traore-c3234 have changed Malian football. However, a lot of credit goes to Giresse for making such a talented unit of players work together, something the previous coaches failed
to do.
“There is one thing I feel. It is that we are in a semi-final and play a great team. We must consider this match as a formidable challenge,” said Giresse while talking to the media.
With eight goals scored and none conceded, Cote d’Ivoire are certainly favourites to win the AFCON this time around and Giresse knows that they will be a tough task for his side.
“They are there and they are sure of their strength, their qualities and are a great team. This is a dream semi-final and if you go to the final, it will be in the clouds,” suggested Giresse who clearly wants to go to the final but is being careful and pragmatic
about his side’s chances.
Malian football is on the rise and much credit goes to Alain Giresse’s devotion and dedication. The former Paris Saint-Germain manager’s contract had already expired when Mali qualified for the AFCON 2012 but he says that he is not bound by the contract’s
expiry date because he wanted to be there for the national team when they play in the African showpiece.
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