Ian ConstantineAfrican Nations Cup is under way
January 11th 2010 05:56
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Mali Storm Back...
Mali Storm Back...
Opening Game: Angola 4-4 Mali in Luanda
The first ever match at Luanda's 11 November Stadium provided a terrific start to the African Nations Cup that has been overshadowed somewhat by Friday's gun attack on the Togolese team who have since withdrawn and flown home.
Turning to the football in the opening game - Mali pulled off a stunning fightback against the hosts to force a 4 all draw with Angola after trailing 4-0 with little more than 11 minutes remaining. After an impeccably observed minute's silence in memory of the victims of the attack on the Togo team, Angola dominated for most of the game and strolled to a 4-0 lead thanks to two first half headers from striker Flavio and two penalties. Mali conceded the spot kicks towards the end of the second half and they were coolly dispatched by Gilberto and Manucho.
Many home fans left the stadium early celebrating their team's four-goal victory but the Angolan team became far too casual gifting Mali a path back into the game. Barcelona midfielder Keita bundled home what looked to be merely a consolation following a goalmouth scramble 11 minutes from time and the previously anonymous Kanoute then added a second to give Mali some hope. Keita and Yatabare then finished two more close-range efforts in injury time to secure an astonishing draw.
The late collapse infuriated Angola's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose who saw his team throw away what seemed a certain victory. "This draw tasted like a defeat to me, this is one of the most bitter pills I've ever had to swallow in all the matches of my long career," said Jose.
Mali Manager Keshi, who lifted the title with Nigeria as a player in the 1990s, said: "It was a little difficult to believe we might come back. I've got mixed feelings, I'm happy with a draw but upset with my team."
"We were bad in the first half, mentally we weren't really at the races.
"It's good for us mentally, our confidence, but we have to be careful to not make too many mistakes. There is a lot to correct before the next match."
African Nations Cup
Opening Game: Angola 4-4 Mali in Luanda
The first ever match at Luanda's 11 November Stadium provided a terrific start to the African Nations Cup that has been overshadowed somewhat by Friday's gun attack on the Togolese team who have since withdrawn and flown home.
Turning to the football in the opening game - Mali pulled off a stunning fightback against the hosts to force a 4 all draw with Angola after trailing 4-0 with little more than 11 minutes remaining. After an impeccably observed minute's silence in memory of the victims of the attack on the Togo team, Angola dominated for most of the game and strolled to a 4-0 lead thanks to two first half headers from striker Flavio and two penalties. Mali conceded the spot kicks towards the end of the second half and they were coolly dispatched by Gilberto and Manucho.
Many home fans left the stadium early celebrating their team's four-goal victory but the Angolan team became far too casual gifting Mali a path back into the game. Barcelona midfielder Keita bundled home what looked to be merely a consolation following a goalmouth scramble 11 minutes from time and the previously anonymous Kanoute then added a second to give Mali some hope. Keita and Yatabare then finished two more close-range efforts in injury time to secure an astonishing draw.
The late collapse infuriated Angola's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose who saw his team throw away what seemed a certain victory. "This draw tasted like a defeat to me, this is one of the most bitter pills I've ever had to swallow in all the matches of my long career," said Jose.
Mali Manager Keshi, who lifted the title with Nigeria as a player in the 1990s, said: "It was a little difficult to believe we might come back. I've got mixed feelings, I'm happy with a draw but upset with my team."
"We were bad in the first half, mentally we weren't really at the races.
"It's good for us mentally, our confidence, but we have to be careful to not make too many mistakes. There is a lot to correct before the next match."
Angolan Fans
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