AFCON 2015 – Group D Kicks Off: Côte d’Ivoire vs Guinea, Mali vs Cameroon
The final group to begin play in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations is Group D, featuring Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, and Cameroon. All matches for this group are being held in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.
Matchday 1 Fixtures – Group D:
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Côte d’Ivoire vs Guinea – Kickoff: 4 p.m. GMT
For once, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire are not entering as clear favorites, which may allow Hervé Renard’s men to play with less pressure. On the other side, Guinea will be driven by a strong emotional cause. The Syli Nationale are playing for a population still reeling from the devastating Ebola outbreak, and captain Ibrahima Traoré has already spoken of the team’s desire to bring “pleasure and happiness” to the Guinean people.
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Mali vs Cameroon – To follow later in the evening
The Eagles of Mali, coached by Henri Kasperczak, will face a rejuvenated Cameroon side that is still rebuilding after the chaos of the 2014 World Cup. With Samuel Eto’o retired, the Lions Indomptables have adopted a more collective approach. Mali will aim to start strong in what promises to be an extremely tight and unpredictable group.
Stay tuned for what could be some of the most dramatic and emotionally charged clashes of this year’s tournament.
