Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage

Jan 24, 2015 at 4pm UK

Ivory Coast
1-1
Mali

Gradel (87')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Sako (7')

Late Max Gradel goal saves Ivory Coast

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 24 January 2015

A late goal from Max Gradel earns Ivory Coast a 1-1 draw against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Max Gradel scored three minutes from time to salvage a 1-1 draw for Ivory Coast in their Africa Cup of Nations clash with Mali.

Mali had led for 80 minutes after an early goal from Bakary Sako, but Gradel's late effort ensured that both teams head into their final fixture with a chance of qualification for the last eight.

After both teams had drawn their opening game of Group D, victory for either nation would have put them on the brink of a quarter-final spot, and it was Mali who made the brighter start in Malabo.

Ivory Coast's midfielder Max-Alain Gradel is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group D football match between Ivory Coast and Mali in Malabo on January 24, 2015 © Getty Images

The opening exchanges had not brought much in the way of action in the final third, but Mali secured the early advantage when Sako latched onto a cross from Sambou Yatabare before striking the ball into the bottom corner.

Mali continued to control the opening stages before Ivory Coast finally mustered an attempt on target when Seydou Doumbia forced a save out of Soumbeila Diakite after being found by Serge Aurier.

The Elephants created two more chances in the space of three minutes, but, after Aurier had headed over, Doumbia squandered a decent opening after being played in by Wilfried Bony.

Ivory Coast continued to pressurise the Mali defence until the half-time whistle, but they were able to reach the break with a narrow lead after Diakite produced a smart stop to push Kolo Toure's header onto the crossbar.

Coach Herve Renard would have instructed his side to produce more of the same after the restart and, moments into the second half, Aurier created an opening for Bony which the Manchester City forward could only head over the bar.

Mali's players celebrate after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group D football match between Ivory Coast and Mali in Malabo on January 24, 2015 © Getty Images

After a lengthy delay which saw Mali stopper Diakite stretchered off, the Eagles attempted to catch their opponents cold with a lung-busting run from Sako, but his cross was too pacey for Mustapha Yatabare.

It looked as though Mali would hold on to a vital three points but Ivory Coast finally found an equaliser through Gradel three minutes from time, after the Saint-Etienne attacker had been found inside the area by the impressive Aurier.

As six minutes of injury time were signalled, Ivory Coast pushed for a winner but Mali held on to ensure that the two teams remain level on points ahead of the third and final fixture next week.