AFCON 2013: Mali Joins Ghana in Q’finals

280113T.Mali held DR Congo to a 1-1 draw.jpg - 280113T.Mali held DR Congo to a 1-1 draw.jpg

Mali held DR Congo to a 1-1 draw

BBC

Mali came from behind against DR Congo to earn a point and progress to the Africa Cup of Nations last eight.

Leopards playmaker Dieumerci Mbokani opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just three minutes.

Mali levelled 11 minutes later as Mahamadou Samassa tapped home from Adama Tamboura’s neat pull-back, reports the BBC.

Claude LeRoy’s side chased a winner but were unable to find a way through the solid Malian defence.

And Ghana eased through to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Niger to finish top of Group B.

Captain Asamoah Gyan was instrumental throughout and he set the Black Stars on their way when he controlled Albert Adomah’s cross and the drove home.

Gyan then turned provider as he crossed for Christian Atsu, who chested the ball down before poking it in.

Ghana wrapped up the win when Gyan’s header was parried by Daouda Kassaly and John Boye tapped in the rebound.

It was a comprehensive victory and a solid performance from a Ghana team that went into the game knowing they only needed a draw to make it through to the last eight.