SEKONDI (Reuters) - Ivory Coast thrashed Benin 4-1 on Friday to underline their credentials for a second African Nations Cup triumph.

The Elephants will qualify for the knockout stage if Mali beat Nigeria in Group B's other game being played at the Essipon stadium (7:30 p.m. British time).

Ivory Coast coach Gerard Gili said his team's victory had been soured by a groin injury suffered by defender Kolo Toure, who was substituted on the stroke of halftime.

"It's been a very good day for us apart from Kolo's injury," Gili told a news conference.

"I am worried because he injured his groin and I don't know how long he will be out. He first has to take some tests and we hope he will come back soon."

Benin, who are eliminated, resisted until the 40th minute when striker Didier Drogba opened the scoring from close range after being set up by a fine Yaya Toure pass.

The Ivorians extended their lead one minute before the interval. Kolo Toure was the creator, retrieving an overhit corner before crossing low across the face of the goal for his brother Yaya to stab in.

Abdelkader Keita made it three on 52 minutes, seizing on a loose ball after poor play from the Benin defence and running through to slot past Rachad Chitou.

Aruna Dindane, who had gone close on numerous occasions, wrapped up the win 11 minutes later by heading home a Drogba cross.

With Nigeria and Mali fans filing in to the stadium, Razak Omotoyossi scored a stoppage-time consolation for Benin whose build-up to the game was overshadowed by coach Reinhard Fabisch's claims that he was asked to help fix the result of his side's opening match which they lost 1-0 to Mali in Sekondi on Monday.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot, editing by Justin Palmer)