IVC vs ML Dream11 Team: Group E toppers Mali look to continue unpredictable run of results in the round of 16
While the group stage matches in the Africa Cup Of Nations failed to really entertain us with teams playing safe, the round of 16 encounters have been anything but. From Madagascar continuing their unprecedented progression, Egypt crashing out against South Africa to Nigeria making to the quarter-finals in a five goal thriller, the first knock-out stage has regaled us in riveting matches.
And Mali will be looking to continue the same tune when they take on Ivory Coast today in the first of the round of 16 matches on the day. While their topping of Group E was a compelling turn of fixtures for the side with the 7 points, the identity of their opponents in the group wasn’t anywhere close to the opposition they’ll be up against today.
Qualifying for this stage after coming second in Group D, whilst Ivory Coast ended up losing the one match to Morocco, the team is one of the finest to have graced the showpiece tournament. Albeit not the Ivory Coast side of 10 years back, this team under the tutelage of some worldclass performers has imbedded in it a ruthless brand of attacking football, good enough to pummel any side on its day.
Probable Winner
Now up against each other today, both the sides will be looking to up the ante and seal their passage into the quarter-finals of the tournament. It’s bound to be an extremely competitive and closely fought affair with both these teams having scoured past the 11 goals in between them in the 6 matches they’ve played till now.
Despite them being undefeated till now, we are going to side with Ivory Coast with this one of the sheer experience and knowhow of how to traverse past such critical matches. Expect a match where the goals come freely with Ivory Coast just about managing to scrape past with a win.
Goal-Keeper for IVC vs ML Dream11
With a cleansheet a tentative proposition in this one, we have opted for the better shot stopper out of the two viable options which sees us go with Mali’s Djigui Diarra.
Defenders for IVC vs ML Dream11
Sticking to the same narrative, it’s the bare minimum of the three defenders we have indulged with or this one. Things are going to get extremely tough at the back for both the defences with a relentless attacking line pummelling at their door.
It’s a duo which comes in from Ivory Coast in the form of Wilfred Kanon and Ismael Traore. The side has chopped and changed profusely in their bid to find the best composition to hold fort at the back but in this duo we have two irreplaceable players to the side.
From Mali the lone pick is of Hamari Traore, an attacking minded defender who loves getting himself on the end of vital contributions up the field.
Midfielders for IVC vs ML Dream11
This is the most packed department of our side given the profound pick of selections we have in this facet especially from Ivory Coast. The segment is a perfect blend of defence and attack for them, lined up with players who have been quissential to their success so far.
We’ll begin with the attacking picks first with Wilfred Zaha coming in for us. Currently subject of a transfer to Arsenal, the Crystal Palace man has played in a flexible position, occupying a more central role s the match progresses to find himself get on the end of some well worked passes. Franck Kessie accompanies him in the attacking mix of things.
The other two who find a place in our Dream 11 side are Max Gradel and Serey Die. From Mali we have the lone selection of Diadie Samassekou after his extremely astute showing against Tunisia.
Strikers for IVC vs ML Dream11
The one pick each from either side with Wilfred Bony coming in from Ivory Coast while we have chosen Abdoulay Diaby to help and convert the important chances which will land his way from Mali.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Max Gradel is our captain for this match while we have gone with Zaha as the vice-captain.
Match Details
Africa Cup Of Nations 2019
Match: Mali Vs Ivory Coast Round Of 16
Date And Time: 8th July, Monday- 9:30pm IST
Venue: Suez Stadium, Suez
