This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On a disappointing night for both teams, Ivory Coast's Wilfried Zaha scored the only goal to secure a 1-0 win over Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in Suez on Monday, July 8, 2019.
Crystal Palace winger Zaha's 76th-minute strike ensured the Ivorians remained unbeaten against Mali at the tournament, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Algeria.
However, the 2015 champions will need to improve significantly if they aspire to a second title in four years, as Ivory Coast's talented attack of Zaha, Nicolas Pepe, and Jonathan Kodjia largely failed to fire.
Pepe returned for the Elephants after sitting out the 4-1 win over Namibia, while Mali recalled a host of regulars having rested key players after qualifying from their group with a game to spare.
