Mali and Benin go head-to-head knowing that defeat could prove costly as both sides bid to upset the odds in Group B.
Group B underdogs hope to upset the odds
Mali and Benin go head-to-head knowing that defeat could prove costly as both sides bid to upset the odds in Group B.
Having been drawn alongside the big guns of Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, Mali and Benin will know that even a draw in Monday's meeting may not be enough to see either side progress.
Mali will enter the game as favourites as they have never suffered defeat to Benin, but the sides could not be separated on either occasion after playing twice in qualifying.
Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko and Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra are expected to provide the backbone in midfield for Mali, while Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute will add the firepower with club colleague Seydou Keita pulling the strings.
Cutting edge
Stoke forward Mamady Sidibe will also be hoping to be given the chance to add a cutting edge.
However, Benin will be desperate to record a win as they bid to improve on their 2004 appearance when they failed to progress beyond the group stages.
Helsingborg hit-man Razaq Omotoyosi is the star of the show for Benin and the striker will be his side's main goal threat as they look to cause an upset.
Meanwhile, manager Reinhard Fabisch is likely to deploy Mouri Ogunbiyi and Roumald Boco, who plays for Accrington Stanley, in midfield in a bid to stifle Sissoko and Diarra.
