AFCON 2015: Gradel snatches late draw for Elephants

Max Gradel scored what could be a priceless equaliser as Cote
d’Ivoire drew 1-1 with Mali in Saturday’s Africa Cup of
Nations encounter. Herve Renard’s side only earned a 1-1
draw with Guinea in their opening match courtesy of Seydou
Doumbia’s 72nd-minute strike, and looked set to suffer a
huge setback on Saturday as, despite dominating possession,
they struggled to find a response to Bakary Sako’s early
opener.
However, substitute Max Gradel fired home with three minutes
remaining following a cutback from Serge Aurier, providing a
welcome boost to Cote d’Ivoire’s qualification hopes.
Sako fired Mali ahead after just seven minutes with a superb
half-volley, although Cote d’Ivoire – many people’s tip to win
the tournament – appeared unfortunate not to be awarded a
penalty prior to the interval when Molla Wague upended
Wilfried Bony in the area.
Mali, who lost goalkeeper Soumbeila Diakite to injury in the
second half, held out thereafter against wave after wave of
pressure, only to be found wanting as Gradel finally broke
their resistance.
Both teams will enter the final round of group matches with
two points from as many games.
Siaka Tiene, Ismael Diomande and Doumbia were all brought
into a Cote d’Ivoire side missing the suspended Gervinho.
Yet it was an unchanged Mali who seized the initiative early
on, courtesy of a fine goal from Sako.
Sambou Yatabare was given time to deliver a cross from the
right, which Sako met with a sweetly timed half-volley back
across goal that left Sylvain Gbohouo with no chance. A lack
of quality in the final third hampered Cote d’Ivoire as they
sought to get back on level terms, with Aurier.