Angola 4-4 Mali: Sensational comback by Mali in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations

Mali made a sensational come back in the opening match of the 2010 African Cup of Nations match against hosts Angola from a 4-0 deficit in the 79th minute of the opening African Cup of Nations match to earn a memorable 4-4 draw with host Angola on Sunday.

Saudi Arabia-based striker Flavio put Angola in front with a 36th-minute diving header before doubling the lead in the Group A game six minutes later with another header from defender Mabina’s cross.

Gilberto made it 3-0 with a 67th minute penalty before Manucho converted another penalty seven minutes later for what seemed an unassailable lead.

But substitute Seydou Keita started Mali’s astonishing comeback in the 79th minute, before Frederic Kanoute made it 4-2, Keita got his second of the night in stoppage time and Mustapha Yatabare grabbed the equalizer at the end.

See match Highlights bellow

“In my 42-year career as coach this is the first time something like this has happened,” Angola’s Portuguese coach Manuel Jose said. “We were supposed to win this game but we gave up at the end.”

Angola had started well and created several chances in the opening 10 minutes, forcing Mali goalkeeper Mahamadou Sidibe to twice deny Flavio’s close range efforts.