Ahead of Mali's semi-final meeting with the Super Eagles, who are logically the tournament favorites after defeating Ivory Coast in last weekend's quarter-final, the players of the Mali National Team have been reviewing the game with the press in their homeland. <br /><br />''We thought of the Ivory Coast , but it is Nigeria that finally progressed. They deserved their victory in that game. <span> They controlled the game from start to finish.</span> <span style=""> We will prepare for a tough battle for the match today,'' Chievo Verona striker </span><span style="">Mahamadou Samassa told <i>essor.ml.<br /><br /></i>On his part<i>, </i>West Ham forward </span><span style=""><span style="">Modibo Maiga said: ''This is an interesting match. We are aware that Nigeria has a very good team but we are ready to play this game. We know very well the Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi. It will be a pleasure to play against him. ''<br /><br />Note that the Eagles of Mali have never defeated their Nigerian counterparts in four previous matches played by both teams at the African Nations Cup. It is unlikely that trend will be reversed after the final whistle on Wednesday.<br /></span><br /></span>Photo Credit: whufc.com<br /><br />