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Mali and Nigeria draw
Essipon (W/R) Jan. 25, Ghanadot/GNA
- Mali on Friday held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a
goalless drawn game in their second "Group B" match of the
African Cup of Nations tournament at the Sekondi stadium at
Essipon.
Nigeria was heavily tipped to win this crucial encounter by
many sports analysts but the Malians proved their worth and
matched their more fancied opponents boot for boot.
Nigeria put the ball into the Malian net in the 37th minute
but it was ruled offside.
The game started on a bright note with both teams
demonstrating skills and talent but Mali dominated the
entire play.
Both teams lost many begging chances to the displeasure of
their fans and spectators.
The inclusion of Ikechechu Uche, Stephen Makinwa and Paul
Utaka as substitutes did not translate into goals for
Nigeria.
Nigeria in the 16th minute missed a golden opportunity that
would have won them the day. As the Eagles wasted many
scoring opportunities some of their supporters turned
against them and cheered the Malians.
The Malian team played a very determined and consistent game
laced with inter-positional changes and speed.
The Malian Goalkeeper Mahamadou Sidibe's sterling
performances thwarted all the efforts of the Super Eagles.
Frederick Kanoute, a Malian striker, was voted man of the
match while the fair play award went to Daniel Shiitu of
Nigeria.
GNA
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