Ghana Stunned As They Lose Two Goal Lead - Mali Take Control of Group

The goals came on the second day of the African Cup of Nations. The teams of Group B took to the stage for their opening matches and shared five goals between them. Group favourites Ghana faced DR Congo and looked like comfortable winners at 2-0, only to see DR Congo fight back to earn a dramatic point. Mali would then have to wait until late on to see off Niger and take the lead of the group.

The first half between Ghana and DR Congo was pretty balanced. The former Newcastle ace Lomana LuaLua would have the best chance early on but his shot was smartly tipped over the bar. That early chance provided momentum for DR Congo and they grew further into the game with Youssouf Mulumbu enjoying his key role.

As the half drew to a close, the ball began to camp in the midfield before Ghana started creating opportunities, Asamoah Gyan missing a shot where he probably should have scored. Ghana then managed to break the deadlock five minutes before half-time when 22-year old Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu from Udinese finished off a neat move that saw a one-two between Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah.

The goal didn't seem to dampen DR Congo's spirits but it would be Ghana who struck first in the second period; Asamoah heading a corner in off the crossbar after just four minutes to make it 2-0. Ghana's two goal advantage only lasted four minutes as DR Congo again continued to battle well. Cedric Makiadi of Freiburg would find a great low cross for Mazembe's Tresor Mputu to stab home.

Mputu would almost equalise moments later, but his shot was blocked by John Pantsil. That was followed by Gyan missing another fabulous opportunity to open his account for the tournament. With just over 20-minutes to play, Makiadi would be fouled in the box by Jerry Akaminko giving DR Congo a penalty. Makiadi stepped up and converted it to draw the sides level. Both Mulumbu and Gyan had a late chance to win the game, but neither keeper would be beaten a third time.

With that game ending in a draw, Mali and Niger both had the chance to go top of the group and take control. Both teams looked quite content in the middle of the park and down the wings but neither could quite their crosses to an intended target. Kassaly Daouda was made to look fragile in the Niger goal as he made hard work of a few lofted balls.

When the ball was slow or along the floor, Daouda had no trouble. But his weakness in the air would be highlighted once again from a free-kick before the half was over. Mali looked to be in control throughout most of the match but they just couldn't find the killer blow to beat Daouda. The only goal of the game finally came six minutes from time when their main man, Seydou Keita pounced after Daouda once again failed to deal with a cross.