Gervinho blasts Elephants into final

Ivory Coast set up a final showdown with Zambia after Gervinho’s solo goal saw them past Mali in Libreville last night.

The Elephants will return to the same venue on Sunday seeking their second title after the Arsenal forward ran from his own half and slotted home.

His side’s defence then kept their opponents at bay in the second half to ensure their progression to the final for the third time.

Earlier, Siaka Tiene delivered a free-kick from the right and Didier Drogba’s downward header bounced up and struck the top of the post.

Goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite was beaten at his near post by Yaya Toure’s powerful drive but again saw the ball rebound to safety off the woodwork. Salomon Kalou then poked wide after creditably staying on his feet under a challenge in the penalty area, and Drogba scuffed a shot wide.

But Gervinho put the Elephants ahead on the stroke of half-time when he tricked his way past Ousmane Berthe on halfway, burst unchallenged into the penalty area and finished coolly.

In the second half, Toure twice went close and Diakite saved with his feet from Drogba, and Mali did not seriously threaten an equaliser.

MALI: Soumaila Diakite, Drissa Diakite (Ousmane Coulibaly 46), Kante, Berthe, Tamboura, Bakaye Traore, Sow (Mahamane Traore 84), Samba Diakite, Seydou Keita, Yatabare (Dembele 73), Diabate. IVORY COAST: Barry, Tiene, K Toure, Bamba, Zokora, Tiote, Gosso, Toure Yaya (Konan 90), Gervinho, Kalou (Keita 79), Drogba.

Ref: Daniel Bennett (Southern Gauteng).