Ivory Coast have secured top spot in Group B with a 3-0 win over Mali, who are eliminated.
Ivory Coast win Group B as Mali crash out
Ivory Coast have secured top spot in Group B with a 3-0 win over Mali, who are eliminated following Nigeria's 2-0 win over Benin.
The 1992 African champions started the stronger with Mali happy to defend in numbers with a point enough to see them book their place in the quarter-finals.
However, their plan soon unravelled when Didier Drogba curled home a delightful a right-footed shot after a neat through-ball from the dangerous Yaya Toure.
The Elephants should have extended their lead, but Arouna Kone's header was off target from Siaka Tiene's teasing left-wing cross.
Chances
Mali were not without chances of their own although Sammy Traore came closest to scoring from a well-worked set-piece.
The Eagles came out after the interval all guns blazing and only a fine save from Boubacar Barry kept out Seydou Keite's left-footed free-kick.
However, they conceded yet again on 54 minutes when Marco Zoro powerfully headed home Toure's inswinging corner at the near post.
Close
Drogba came close to adding his second of the game shortly after when he headed goal wards only for Adama Tamboura to head clear from under his own crossbar.
Mali were inches from getting on the scoresheet but Draman Traore saw his header crash off the crossbar to safety after Barry flapped at the free-kick into the penalty area.
Substitute Boubacar Sanogo confirmed the win late on when he tapped home after Toure's shot was too handle for Mali keeper Mahamadou Sidibe.
With Mali out, Nigeria now tackle hosts Ghana in the quarters while Ivory Coast take on Group A runners-up Guinea.
