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Mali coach: Team is not afraid of Ivory Coast Inexperienced Mali team with several injuries is not afraid of playing star-studded Ivory Coast team in African Cup of Nations 2012 semifinals says coach
Mali coach Alain Giresse says his team is humble but not afraid of star-studded title favorite Ivory Coast before their African Cup of Nations semifinal on Wednesday. Giresse said humility was an “essential” part of Mali's success, as the squad has shrugged off an injury-plagued build-up and a poor performance at the last tournament to reach the last four in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The French coach said “even the biggest champions have to be humble” but his players would also have “no fear” of Ivory Coast at Stade de l'Amitie. Giresse added “I'm sorry for those making the predictions because we're here … we're in the semifinals” after his injury-hit and inexperienced team was given little chance of progressing far. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter:@AO_Sports)