African News

Mali v Niger ratings

Mali: Outplayed Niger, only just

Take a look at our player breakdown of Mali and Niger during their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash.

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Mali:

Mahamadou Samassa: Was relatively untested all night but showed his composure when coming out to collect high balls as well as his experience when closing down the angles to deny onrushing strikers. 7/10

Adama Tamboura: Kept the industrious Moussa Maazou quiet all night and provided an outlet in attack for the Malian side. A composed performance. 8/10

Molla Wague: Rarely troubled but commanding in the centre of defence, he dealt calmly with a number of long balls launched into the area. 6/10

Fousseni Diawara: Got caught out dallying on the ball on the odd occasion but was largely solid in defence and excelled when going forward. 6/10

Mahamane Traore: Industrious in the centre of the park, Traore drove his side forward but also wasted possession numerous times when he opted to shoot from distance. 6/10

Mahamadou N'Diaye: Solid and dependable, N'Diaye was a rock in defence, rarely putting a foot wrong. 7/10.

Seydou Keita: The leader of the team, Keita's passing was excellent although he was sometimes slow to track back. As the match wore on he pushed higher up the field and was duly rewarded with the winning goal. 8/10

Kalilou Traore: He complemented Keita well and put in an industrious performance, providing a barrier in front of his defence. 6/10

Sigamary Diarra: Was excellent out wide on the left wing and provided the outlet for a number of Mali attacks. Needs to, however, work on his crossing. 7/10

Cheick Diarra: Showed glimpses of his undoubted ability before being substituted at the beginning of the second half. 5/10

Cheick Diabate: Was handful for Niger all night and should have had a couple of goals. 7/10

Mohamed Sissoko: Made an impact when he came on after 64 minutes with his excellent passing and movement - but with little game time leading up the tournament, he only showed his best in fits and starts. 6/10

Samba Diakite: Had just over ten minutes to prove his worth. Was involved in the build up to the goal. Will surely get more game time in Mali's next clash. 6/10

Mahamadou Samassa: Was excellent when he came on for the second half. Full of running, his energy game Mali renewed impetus after the break. 8/10

Niger:

Kassaly Daouda: Was generally excellent and made a number of good saves throughout the match - but he was at fault for the goal as he failed to collect a ball into the box that broke to Keita to slot home. 6/10

Mohamed Chicoto: Did well to keep Mali at bay for much of the match, so much so they were restricted to shooting from distance. At 23 years of age his composure belied his lack of experience. 6/10

Fatoghoma Kourouma: Was erratic at times, but otherwise marshalled the defence well. Quick in the tackle and with plenty of power, he made life difficult for the Mali forwards. 6/10

Koffi Dan Kowa: Strong in the air and on the ground, this uncompromising defender barely put a foot wrong all night. 7/10

Mohamed Bachar: With a mandate to get forward Bachar was a willing runner and provided a number of good balls forward, although ultimately with little reward. 6/10

Issiaka Koudize: Koudize is another with limited international experience but he showed composure on the ball and thwarted a number of Mali attacks. 5/10

Mohamed Soumaila: One of Niger's standout players, he was a thorn in the Mali side all night and is one to keep an eye on this tournament. 7/10

Karim Lancina: Barely got a mention all night, such was his quiet composure. Got caught out on the break a couple of times but did enough to keep his place in the side. 5/10

Boubacar Issoufou: Industrious, inventive and eager to get forward, Issoufou was always looking for a willing runner, but often had to turn back and play a simple pass instead. 6/10

Modibo Sidibe: Took a knock to his head early on but it didn't stop him from getting stuck in all night. Tried to play off the back of the last defender and caused havoc in the Mali defence. Will only get better the longer the tournament goes on. 8/10

Ouwo Moussa Maazou: Rarely showed his true ability as he drifted through this game. Needs to find an extra gear if he is to make an impact in Niger's tournament. 5/10

Boubacar Talatou: Had 12 minutes to prove his worth and showed some nice touches without really effecting the outcome of this match. 4/10

Alhassane Dante: Came on with just two minutes to play. Didn't do enough to warrant a rating.

Posted: 20/01/13 21:35