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Day 2

AFCON round-up: Ghana denied by Congo, Eagles flying high

After no goals on the opening day, there were five scored in Group B’s first set of matches.

Ghana 2-2 Congo DR

Congo’s Dieudonne Mbokani, left, does a celebratory dance with team-mates. Credit: Rebecca Blackwell/AP/Press Association Images

FAVOURED GHANA WERE held to a 2-2 draw by fighting DR Congo Sunday in the opening Group B match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Congolese Leopards, who have been embroiled in squabbles over bonuses ahead of the match, showed great character to come from two goals down and take a point.

Emmanuel Agyeman Badu gave the Black Stars the lead, and scored the first goal of this tournament, in the 40th minute when he tapped home after a well-worked move involving Kwadwo Asamoah.

Juventus star Asamoah doubled Ghana’s lead four minutes after half-time when he headed home a corner taken by Mubarak Wakaso.

Skipper Tresor Mputu pulled a goal back for the Congolese in the 53rd minute after being put through by Cedric Makiadi.

Dieumerci Mbokani drew the Congolese level in the 68th minute by converting a penalty kick after he was fouled by Jerry Akaminko.

Watch the goals below and check out Congo goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba’s celebratory bounce, which is pretty amazing:

YouTube credit: Maroc Rif

Mali 1-0 Niger

The Mali players after Keita’s winner. Credit: SCHALK VAN ZUYDAM/AP/Press Association Images

Mali denied determined Niger a first point at the Africa Cup of Nations when skipper Seydou Keita scored with six minutes left to earn a laboured 1-0 win.

Niger goalkeeper Daouda Kassaly failed to deal with a high ball into his area and Keita slid home the match-winner in the 84th minute.

This was seven minutes after the former Barcelona ‘super sub’ had seen his left-foot shot from the edge of the box come back off the crossbar.

It was looking like the second game in Group B would end without any goals before Keita popped up to give his troubled country something to cheer.

The Malian army, backed by African and French forces, are seeking to regain northern territory held by Islamist militants.

Here’s Keita’s goal:

YouTube credit: Extremegoals1002

- © AFP, 2012

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