The Stallions are one day away from facing neighbours Mali in the round of 16 of the competition at Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in what promises to be an action-packed encounter between the two neighbouring countries. 

The Stallions came agonisingly close to tasting continental success just over 10 years ago when they lost out to Nigeria in the finals played in Johannesburg, South Africa by 1-0. 

Yago, who was speaking ahead of the clash on Tuesday says this generation is determined to go all the way and they have been getting advice from the 2013 generation on what it takes to reach the finals of a competitive competition such as the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. 

“We have the opportunity of rewriting history with this generation. Fortunately, some of the players and staff from the 2013 team have been in regular touch with us and have shared their experience and insight on what it takes to reach the finals of this tough competition. 

“We have advice from our elders, and we want to use this to our advantage when playing against Mali and hopefully the rest of the competition” said Yago. 

Both sides have reached the final of the competition with the Stallions’ second place finish in 2013 being preceded by a 1972 silver medal by Mali.