Keita: Pressure on Ivory Coast now
Mali captain Seydou Keita has insisted that "the pressure is on" Cote d'Ivoire as both teams face off in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday.
Mali emerged triumphant from Sunday's quarter-final with Gabon, with the Barcelona man scoring the winning penalty in a shoot-out following the 1-1 draw during normal time.
Keita acknowledged the difficulty of being the underdogs, but knows the burden of suceeding will weigh heavy on the Ivory Coast.
"We are not Barcelona or Brazil, we have our qualities and our faults, it's not going to be easy against Cote d'Ivoire," the 32-year-old said during a press conference.
"But [against Gabon] you saw again that even when the going gets tough we can do what other teams can't. Cote d'Ivoire are favourites, they know the pressure is on them.
"In contrast, we have nothing to lose, we'll do our maximum to go even further in this competition."
Keita went on to express his joy of returning to the national team after originally retiring from international duty in 2010.
"I'm very proud to wear this shirt," said the Mali veteran. "When I scored the penalty it was like a dream. I've won a lot with Barcelona but this is like winning a cup.
"I've always loved my country, and I was urged to come back by the president and even my mother did her maximum to persuade me to return. When Mali win it's a completely different feeling, I feel like a 'gamin' (kid)."