Player Ratings: Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 Mali

Saved by his post in fifth minute after failing to claim Tiene's cross. After a very shaky start that would not inspire confidence he did recover to make two good saves from Kalou and Drogba in the second half.

Struggled to deal with Kalou at times and the Chelsea man also restricted his attacking runs. When he did venture higher up the field he was stifled by Gosso who limited the effectiveness of his deliveries. Still, a very hard-working performance.

Rash challenge on Drogba got him an early booking and the centre back continued to struggle with him for the rest of the match. His misjudgement saw him beaten by Gervinho, leading to the opening goal, though he did make some important challenges to deny the Arsenal striker in the second half.

Made some great challenges including a last-ditch dispossession of Drogba on 30 minutes but he failed to cover for Berthe on the goal, allowing Gervinho the freedom to stride into the box and score. Other than that poor judgement he was fairly solid.

Wasteful in possession in opening half and his delivery was poor. He was withdrawn at half time after a poor 45 minutes as Alain Giresse sought a different approach to the game.

After an extremely quiet first half he continued in a similarly unspectacular manner. Contributed to some of Mali's better passing moves in the second half but could not help unlock the stern Ivorian defence.

Showed fantastic strength and determination throughout the game as he broke up multiple Ivorian attacks. He put his body on the line for his side but did not provide enough quality going forward for the Eagles.

Helped his team defensively with a number of strong challenges but again he did not provide enough to the attacking momentum.

Gave the attack some much need impetus with his crisp, quick passing. Narrowly missed a volley in the 73rd minute but failed to penetrate the Ivorian defence in a disappointing attacking display from the Eagles.

Was denied by a great challenge from Gosso in Mali's best chance in the opening 20 minutes. It was a tough task to play as a lone striker against Toure and Bamba despite his size. His touch let him down on occasion when he could have brought others into the game.

The Ivorian keeper was hardly tested by Mali who rarely looked like they would be the ones to score the first goal against the Elephants in this Afcon. Capable when called upon and did not put a foot wrong.

The ever-present defender had another comfortable night at the heart of the defence. Alongside Bamba he dealt with Diabate comfortably and never looked in danger of conceding. Their rock solid partnership will take some beating in the final.

He supplied some excellent crosses throughout, including the ball for Drogba's fifth minute header that hit the post. He provided extra width down the left, allowing Gervinho to move inside and cause trouble.

The imposing centre back was strong in the air and dealt with everything he was faced with in a composed manner. Could have stolen a chance with just over an hour played but hesitated before making his run, allowing Diakite to gather the ball.

At points he was extremely quick to tackle and showed poor judgement. However, for the majority of the game he screened the defence well though his sporadic forward runs never really amounted to anything.

Another excellent performance from the full-back as he attacked well down the right, striking up a strong partnership with Kalou. He did not neglect his defensive duties and made a crucial challenge on Diabate in the area to deny the big Malian striker.

Kept the ball moving across midfield, switching the play in order to utilise the width supplied on both flanks. Covered his defence well in an accomplished display that showed why he is rated so highly by Newcastle United fans.

Made some fantastic charging runs throughout the game and even hit the post on 17th minute. His distribution was also exemplary until the latter stages when he clearly became tired. A great performance from the Manchester City midfielder on the whole.

Went on a great piercing run in the 21st minute and worried Tamboure with his movement. He shot straight at Diakite just after the hour mark when if he had found either side would have scored.

Hit the post in the fifth minute and put in a good shift for his side. The Malian defence struggled to cope with his imposing physique but he just could not find the back of the net. He spent a bit too much time on the floor but went on a brilliant powerful run in the final moments but saw his shot saved.