voldemort

Seydou Keita, having been named in the preliminary Mali squad for January's African Cup of Nations, is looking ahead to the Group of Death involving his side, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Benin.

"The group has two super-powers, but I really think Ivory Coast are the strongest in the group," he told SkySports.com.

"They are a quality side, their attacking options are of the highest level with Drogba, Sanogo and the two Arunas [Sevilla's Arouna Kone and Lens' Aruna Dindane].

"However, we are there to defend ourselves and if we get out of the group anything is possible."

The midfielder feels the same way about Sevilla's chances in the Champions League.

He added, "We are ready for the big boys.

"We have to finish first because by finishing first we won't meet the other two Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona so we have a great chance away to Slavia Prague."

As it happens, Sevilla cannot be drawn against another Spanish side at this stage, anyway, but top spot would certainly help his side.

And Slavia Prague away si a challenge that he's more than willing to rise to, albeit after much soul-searching in recent months.

"I lost my hunger when I was at Lens," he sighed.

"I was the star of Mali when I was very young and that put a lot pressure on me.

"Mali were looking for the next Salif Keita [Former Malian star player] and I could not cope with the pressure.

"However with the emergence of [Mahamadou] Diarra, [Fredi] Kanoute, [Momo] Sissoko - that has helped me a lot as the pressure is shared amongst us all and I am proud to see them all excelling in different leagues - they are my brothers."

source: Goal.com