Ghana 2-2 Mali: Black Stars Stage Fight Back Against Mali

Black Stars of Ghana had to claw back from what was looking like their first loss at home to hold Mali to a 2-2 draw in a final World Cup qualifying match played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday night.

Ghana have already qualified for next year's World Cup finals after their home win over Sudan in September while Mali were already through to the Africa Cup of Nations with nine points from six matches.

Benin finished second in this group after their 2-1 victory in Sudan on Saturday. They recorded 10 points from six matches while Sudan finished bottom of the group with only a point.

The Black Stars of Ghana lined up a very strong starting XI that included skipper Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari while a disappointed Mali were without several of their top stars like Federic Kanoute, Seydou Keita and Momo Sissoko.

Youth international Samuel Inkoom was the only player from Ghana's victorious team in the FIFA under-20 World Cup to start this game, playing at the problematic left fullback position.

Lansana Fane put Mali ahead in the 24th minute with a free kick. It is the first goal Ghana conceded in the final round of the qualifiers.

Ghana pressed for an equaliser at the restart. Asamoah Gyan failed to direct his header towards goal five minutes after the break and three  minutes later Mathew Amoah saw his header crash against the crossbar.

The Black Stars finally drew level after 65 minutes when Mathew Amoah helped himself to a rebound after Mali goalkeeper and captain Mahamadou Sidibe spilled an Asmoah Gyan shot.

However, the visiting team again regained their lead three minutes later when Ndiaye's header beat Richard Kingson in Ghana's goal.

In the 75th minute Sulley Muntari was denied the chance when his header crashed against the crossbar.

Ghana finally drew level with seven minutes to go through Norway-based Anthony Annan, whose free header off a free kick rests inside the Malian goal.

Samm Audu, Goal.com