Cote d'Ivoire head coach, Herve Renard, says Yaya Toure has a bigger responsibility in the team now that he is captain.
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The Elephants fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Guinea, after Gervinho had been given a red card in the first half.
However, the Cote d'Ivoire coach says he is expecting a better performance from the Manchester City midfielder.
"I think Yaya was a bit tired at the end of the game so it was better for him to come off, but he is a big competitor so he'll be ready for the second game," said Renard ahead of Saturday's match against Mali.
"He has a big responsibility now, with the captain's armband. I expect a better second game from him than the first one.
"If he is not able to improve his level it will be difficult for the team."
Renard added that they have been impressed with their stay in Equatorial Guinea so far.
"We are in magnificent surroundings. The stadium here in Malabo is lovely and the atmosphere was very, very good in the first match," he added.
"I hope that it continues and for the moment I think it's a great success."
