Calling Kalou

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LIBREVILLE, Gabon -- Salomon Kalou was selected in Ivory Coast's starting lineup for Wednesday's African Cup of Nations semifinal against Mali after having struggled with a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament.

It is Kalou's first start since Ivory Coast's victory over Burkina Faso in the group stage two weeks ago.

Ivorian coach Francois Zahoui picked Kalou alongside Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba and Manchester City brothers Yaya and Kolo Toure.

Talismanic midfielder Seydou Keita was in Mali's lineup after he missed training on Tuesday with an ankle injury.

The winner of the second semifinal at Stade de l'Amitie will play Zambia in Sunday's final, after the southern Africans ousted four-time champion Ghana in the last four earlier Wednesday.