Mali join Ivory Coast on top of Group B

  1. Posted on Tuesday 22 January 2008 - 11:10
    AfricaNews editor
    Ghana CAN 2008
    A 49th minute penalty converted by Fredrick Kanoute handed Mali the three points in their opening match of the 26th Africa Cup of Nations against Benin. The Beninese had earlier proved critics wrong by marching the favourites on an equal footing.
    kanoute
    They were only denied victory through near misses with Seidath Tchomogo as the worst critics, missing a perfect opportunity at the stroke of the first quarter.

    Mali, considered as hot favourites in the group was not so different from their fellow West Africans in all departments of the game.

    It was the penalty converted by Kanoute after Alain Gaspoz had fouled Dramane Traore that made the difference.

    The Beninese never relented on their efforts to equalise and continue to pressurise the Malians for it.

    Mamady Sidibe fluffed his chance of doubling Mali's lead on 75 minutes while Mahamadou Diarra forced a save from Rachad Chitou with a long shot.

    The Malians now share the top spot in Group B with Cote d’ Ivoire who defeated Nigeria by the same margin.


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    Keywords: ghana_can

Reactions

  1. Posted on Wednesday 23 January 2008 07:24
    Bas
    Image of Bas

    Bas Vlugt
    83 berichten
    Lid sinds May 2007
    Haarlem

    Go Mali, go! Yes, my Hero's from the Sahel are doing great. Of course Benin is not the inspiring opponent to play brilliant football against. That will come when Mali is playing Nigeria. They must me able to draw against Nigeria. Maybe another draw against Cote d'Ivoir will bring them into the quarter finals. Go Mali, go!