An injury to Arsenal star Kolo Toure was the only negative point as Ivory Coast cruised into the knockout stages of the African Nations Cup.Toure was carried off on a stretcher due to a groin problem shortly before half-time and soon after setting up a goal for his brother Yaya in the Elephants' empathic Group B 4-1 win over Benin in Sekondi, Ghana.

The 26-year-old appeared in some discomfort and Ivory Coast are now concerned about his fitness for the rest of the tournament.

Team-mate Didier Drogba, who scored the opening goal, said: "We don't know how bad it is. We're worried, but we're keeping our fingers crossed."

Abdelkader Keita and Aruna Dindane were also on target for Ivory Coast while Razak Omotoyossi headed a fine last-minute consolation for Benin.

Ivory Coast coach Gerard Gili added: "It has been a very good day for us, apart from Kolo's injury.

"I'm concerned about him because he has injured his groin. I don't know how long he'll be out. He first has to take some tests."

Nigeria's hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals were hit by a 0-0 draw with Mali.

Mali dominated a tedious opening half but Berti Vogts' Nigerians improved and had an Ayegbeni Yakubu goal correctly disallowed for offside late on.

Seydou Keita then hit the bar for Mali as the match belatedly sprang to life in the closing stages.

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