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Makomborero Mutimukulu in MALABO, Equatorial Guinea
AFTER an even-Stevens opening day, Group D of the 30th African Cup of Nations comes back to life tonight with Cote d’Ivoire stepping up to an ultra-confident Mali before Cameroon face Guinea at the Estadio de Malabo.The games kick off at 6 and 9 pm, respectively, with security once again being provided by the crack Zimbabwe Commando Anti Terrorism Unit that is here at the invitation and cost of the Equatorial Guinea government.

Mali left the park kicking themselves after a 1-1 draw with a Cameroonian outfit they restricted to just two shots on target, including New York Red Bulls defender Ambroise Oyongo’s 85th minute equaliser.

Guinea veteran skipper Seydou Keita highlights this is a tournament of small margins.

“We have to show that we learnt our lesson from the opening game. It’s a tight group and we cannot afford to continue making such mistakes.

“Cote d’Ivoire are a good team; they battled with 10 men to force a draw and they will be keen on getting their first three points in this match just like us.

“It won’t be easy; it’s never easy at these tournaments,” said the midfielder.

Cote d’Ivoire coach Herve Renard hinted at giving first game hero Seydou Doumbia a starting berth alongside Wilfred Bony upfront as he seeks to adapt to life without the suspended Gervinho.

Gervinho was sent off during the 1-1 stalemate with Guinea and will also miss Wednesday’s gigantic clash with the Indomitable Lions.

The AS Roma man has since apologised for his moment of madness, claiming on his official Twitter account that Guinean defender Mohammed Yattara provoked him.

“I want to present my apology to the Ivorian nation, my teammates, the fans and the ACN (Africa Cup of Nations) organisers for this angry gesture which is not like me and has no place on a football field,” tweeted the 27-year-old forward.

Focus once again falls on Ivorian skipper Yaya Toure, who had a subdued outing against Guinea as the “golden generation” bids for Africa’s ultimate football gong.

The Manchester City midfielder admits that time is running out for his crew to make a mark and defended Renard’s decision to snub veterans such as Didier Drogba and Didier Zokora for this tournament.

“Those guys did their part and it’s time for others to serve the country. “It’s something you cannot run away from.  Look now, Kolo (Toure) my brother has said he will retire soon after this tournament, but life has to go on when he is no longer here,” said Yaya.

Meanwhile, Cameroon coach Volker Finke has demanded a reaction from his outfit following a lukewarm performance in the opening match against Mali.

“We lacked concentration at crucial times during the Mali game and we have to put that right.  The manner we played the second half of the Mali game is the manner with which to win matches and we will seek to play that way from the final whistle,” said Finke.

Guinea skipper Ibrahima Traore has not been mincing his words and has become a favourite with journalists here.

“We were not happy after the first game because we knew it’s a game we could have won . . . but it doesn’t matter now, its water under the bridge.

“At the end of the day we will win our remaining games and qualify because, as I have been saying since we got here, we are not afraid of anyone,” said the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder.

Tonight’s matches:

Cote d’Ivoire v Mali (6pm)
Cameroon v Guinea (9pm).