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24.01.2002
Mali v Nigeria
Group A: Mali v Nigeria 1900gmt, Bamako
After salvaging a point against Liberia with a late goal, Mali are now under pressure from home fans to deliver.
A win against Nigeria and three points would put the hosts in a good position to reach the quarter-finals.
But although victory over the Super Eagles is just what Mali need to put their campaign on track, the odds are stacked against them.
With their host of European stars, it is a game Nigeria should win convincingly and so guarantee themselves a place in the last eight.
Mali`s coach Henri Kasperszak is trying to stay positive.
"It will be a very decisive match. We will do all that we can to win and get the best possible result by playing well.
"Against Liberia, some of my players worked individually thereby sacrificing collective play.
"Nigeria will be a different game."
Julius Aghahowa is Nigeria`s danger-man
Kasperszak is expected to make some changes to his starting line up from the last encounter.
Defensive problems
Midfielder Seydou Keita, who came on as a substitute to score the equalizer against Liberia, could be one of the starters against the Super Eagles.
The Lorient player is looking forward to it.
"Nigeria has been a big side for a long time compared to us. But we are playing in front of our home crowd which gives us some advantage."
Mali looked good going forward in their opening game against Liberia, and could cause Nigeria`s somewhat suspect defence problems.
Nigeria`s Victor Agali says they know they were not good at the back against Algeria.
"We discussed it after the game and I don`t think it is will happen again," Agali said.
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