Ivory Coast stunned title-holders Senegal and are now been talked about as potential champions, stressed Emerse Fae, given the task of coaching a senior team after sacking of Jean-Louis Gasset.

The return to fitness of Dortmund forward Sebastien Haller and Brighton winger Simon Adingra increase the attacking options, while Mali rely largely on Lassine Sinayoko for goals.

A Mali team coached by Abidjan-born Eric Chelle are seeking a first victory over Ivory Coast in the tournament.

Cape Verde's coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito told his players that he expected them to at least reach the semi-finals.

It seemed a tall order for footballers who play for mainly modest clubs across Europe, and were born there to a Cape Verdean parent. They beat Ghana, then held Egypt.

South Africa must not underestimate the Blue Sharks. "But our win over Morocco is history," said coach Hugo Broos, a 2017 AFCON winner with Cameroon.