Nations Cup Co -hosts crash out

Mali last night came back from a goal down to beat hosts Gabon 5-4 on penalties after scores were tied 1-1 at extra time at a packed Libreville National Stadium. Gabon’s loss means that the two host countries are out of the competition after Equatorial Guinea lost 3-0 to Ivory Coasts, Mali’s next opponents in the semifinal.

Mali, who had never won a shootout in a Nations Cup match, were cool as cucumber as they netted all their five penalty kicks to set up a semifinal date with Ivory Coast on Wednesday.

Playing before their passionate home fans, the Gabonese side, watched by their President and her soccer loving wife, were left disappointed as they saw their team bow out of the tournament in the most dramatic way.

The two goals were scored in the second half of regulation time. Gabon took the lead as Eric Mouloungui’s shot from close range was helped by a deflection off Malian goalkeeper, Diakite. They almost doubled their lead as the action intensified, with  Daniel Cousin hitting the post after he was left unmarked.

But Mali were not prepared to seat back and allow their opponents have a field day in their defence as they mounted their own fightback. After much offensive play, Mali’s substitute, Tidiane Diabate scored  after turning inside the box to put the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Ovono.

In the ensuing penalty kicks, Gabon missed one while Mali scored all to confront the Ivorians on Wednesday.