Kanoute: Mali will progress

Mali striker Freddie Kanoute believes his team can progress beyond Group B - named the 'Group of Death' - starting with victory against Benin on Monday.

Mali have been grouped with Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

"I believe a place in the knock-out phase is possible." Said Kanoute.

"We have good players, but not a pool of world-class performers like Ivory Coast and Nigeria which creates fierce competition in all positions," said the Sevilla striker.

"Mali make up for that deficiency by being a very close-knit group."

Benin in only their second appearance, are not expected to qualify from the group but drew twice with Mali in qualifying for the tournament.

"Going through appears too hard for us," said defender Romuald Boco.

"Just qualifying was a massive surprise," the Accrington Stanley player added.

"However, we held Mali twice and scored four goals against Togo so maybe our rivals are wrong when assuming they'll beat us."