Gradel rescues draw for Ivory Coast against Mali

The Ivory Coast had to rely on another late equaliser in Group D of the Cup of Nations, with substitute Max Gradel coming to their rescue against Mali in a 1-1 draw in Malabo to leave both sides on two points from two games played.

Despite going in as underdogs, Mali made an outstanding start to the game as Wolves winger Bakary Sako lashed in a brilliant half-volley from Sambou Yatabare’s cross to the far post.

Just as against Guinea, Herve Renard’s side struggled to create clear chances despite the outstanding individuals in their side, although Wilfried Bony should have been awarded a penalty after being tripped up by Wague in the area.

The second-half was an extremely frustrating one for The Elephants as Mali ate up the time with a series of stoppages and some resolute defending.

But just when defeat seemed inevitable, first-half substitute Max Gradel was on hand to sidefoot Serge Aurier’s cutback in to keep their hopes in the tournament alive.

6’ – GOAL! Ivory Coast 0-1 Mali. The first meaningful attack of the game brings a brilliant goal as Wolves man Bakary Sako lashes a half volley in from Yatabare's cross to the far post. It was a quick break from Mali and Ivory Coast's reorganised defence left Sako totally unmarked. Brilliant finish.

31’ – PENALTY APPEAL! Ivory Coast should have a penalty! Bony with a brilliant bit of skill to nutmeg Wague, before the defender headbutts the Ivorian's knee. Only a corner given.

41’ – INDIRECT FREEKICK: Controversial call here as Bailly flicks a ball up for himself and heads it back to goalkeeper. The referee gives an indirect free-kick just inside the area, which is the right call.

42’ – CHANCE: After a very long wait the freekick is played across to Sako who lashes it straight into the wall.

86’ – GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-1 Mali. Just like in their opening game the Ivory Coast finally pull level. Aurier, who has been their best attacking outlet, pulls the ball across the box and Gradel allows the ball to travel across him before side-footing into the net from 12 yards out. Relief.

This was the first time in four matches that Ivory Coast have failed to beat Mali in the Cup of Nations.

Ivory Coast are now unbeaten in 13 Africa Cup of Nations group games, with nine wins and four draws.

What is wrong with the Ivory Coast? Despite their outstanding players they do not seem to be functioning as a team and struggled to create chances until Gradel’s late equaliser. With Gervinho’s petulant red card in the first match against Guinea and a series of off-the-ball rows in this match, something seems to be very wrong with Herve Renard’s squad.

Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast): Aurier’s driving play from the right gave Mali problems throughout the game and after Gradel was brought on to support him, the two proved too much to handle.

IVORY COAST: Gbohouo 6, Kanon 6, Kolo Toure 6, Bailly 5, Aurier 8, Tiene 6, Tiote 6, Diomande 5, Yaya Toure 7, Bony 6, Doumbia 5. Subs... Gradel 7, Kalou 6, Tallo 6.

MALI: Diakite 6, Diakite 7, Wague 6, Coulibaly 7, Tamboura 7, Sylla 7, N'Diaye 5, Yatabare 6, Keita 7, Sako 8, Yatabare 7. Subs... Berthe 5, Doumbia 6, Maiga 5.