Africa Cup of Nations photos

Ivory Coast 4-1 Benin: Squirrels supporters know that defeat against the Elephants could see their team make an early exit

Benin frustrate the favourites until shortly before the interval when Yaya Toure plays in Didier Drogba for the opening goal

It is the Chelsea striker's first of the tournament as Gerard Gili's side move a step closer to claiming top spot in Group B

Before Benin's players can regroup, a second arrives when Kolo Toure sets up his brother Yaya to score from close range

The aforementioned Kolo Toure then picks up a groin injury and is substituted to put a blot on Ivory Coast's good half

A defensive mix-up soon after the break allows Abdelkader Keita to get on the scoresheet and make it 3-0

Aruna Dindane adds a fourth in the 63rd minute allowing a tired Drogba to take a break before the end

Razak Omotoyossi nets a consolation goal in injury time but it is the Elephants's fans who are celebrating at the end

Nigeria 0-0 Mali: After scoring against Benin, Frederic Kanoute looks for a way through the Super Eagles's defence

With Nigeria badly needing a win, Seyi Olofinjana gives little space to Mahamadou Diarra during a tight opening period

The Eagles offer few chances to Berti Vogts's side as the pressure for a goal gradually builds

Dramane Traore (right) has a couple of chances to break the deadlock but the game remains goalless at half-time

Fifteen minutes remain when Yakubu Aiyegbeni finds the net but the assistant referee adjudges him to be offside

Mali continue to thwart their opponents and go close themselves before the Moroccan official ends the game

The result puts Ivory Coast through, leaves Mali a point from qualification and Nigeria needing a win to have any chance

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Next