SHOWS: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (FEBRUARY 05, 2013) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1. SOUNDBITE (English) NIGERIA COACH STEPHEN KESHI SAYING: "I think it is a shame what is going on in Mali, because it is a country which has all the possibilities to be a great place to live. When I see all that on TV it really touches my heart, because it is really a place that I love. But that aside, it's politics, it's affairs of the big men and we are the small people, so for us it's football that counts, and I think that that it what is part of the motivation of the Mali team, they know exactly what is happening in their country, and that what is needed is a victory, good football and all that. So that is why it is very very difficult to play against a country like Mali who is carrying all the strength of the country, knowing that the country isn't doing well right now, wanting to give something back to the country, so I understand. It's a shame, but that's life." STORY: The conflict at home is giving Mali's players a particular determination to do well in the African Cup of Nations, said the coaches of Mali and their Nigerian opponents on Tuesday (February 05, 2013). Stephen Keshi coach of semi-final opponents Nigeria and himself Mali coach three years ago, said the conflict at home would make the Malians harder to beat. "I think it is a shame what is going on in Mali, because it is a country which has all the possibilities to be a great place to live. When I see all that on TV it really touches my heart, because it is really a place that I love. But that aside, it's politics, it's affairs of the big men and we are the small people, so for us it's football that counts, and I think that that it what is part of the motivation of the Mali team, they know exactly what is happening in their country, and that what is needed is a victory, good football and all that. So that is why it is very very difficult to play against a country like Mali who is carrying all the strength of the country, knowing that the country isn't doing well right now, wanting to give something back to the country, so I understand. It's a shame," he said.