AFCON2012 Diabate brace hands Mali bronze

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A goal in each half from striker Diabate Cheick Tidiane powered Mali to a 2-0 win over Ghana in the third place match on Saturday in Malabo.

 

The lanky striker ensured Mali ended the tournament with their heads high after seeing off a Ghana team that failed to gel in the battle for bronze. The Black Stars who ended the game with a man less after Isaac Vorsah was sent off in the closing stages of the game appeared yet to overcome their semi final blow in a game they managed an ordinary output.

 

It was the second match between the two sides at the tournament with Ghana winning the earlier encounter at the group phase 2-0.

 

Mali made clear their intent from the onset and threatened the Ghanaian defence, marshalled around stand-in captain John Paintsil, Lee Addy, Vorsah and Jonatah Mensah.

 

On 23 minutes, Diabate broke the deadlock from close range after Ghana goalie Adam Larsen Kwarasey spilled an earlier effort unto his path.

 

Youngster Jordan Ayew led the Ghanaian attack but failed to break through the Malian defence which remained resolute.

 

Ghana coach brought on Prince Tagoe and Sulley Muntari for Samuel Inkoom and Mohammed Abu respectively at the start of the second half and the later made their presence felt minutes later.

 

The swift Malians remained in control of possession and on 64 minutes, Vorsah was sent off after second yellow card for fouling Diabate. The numerical advantage worked for the Malians and the second goal will soon come.

 

On 80 minutes, Diabate sealed victory with the second goal by connecting a cross from Adama Tamboura on the left.

 

The feat is the best outing for the Malians in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations since 1972 where they won silver. The Eagles were also fourth in 1994, 2002 and 2004.