Gradel snatches late draw for Ivory Coast against Mali

ByReuters

Published 24/01/2015 at 18:01 GMT

Max Gradel struck with three minutes left as Ivory Coast snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against neighbours Mali who led for 80 minutes in a bad-tempered African Nations Cup match on Saturday.

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Image credit: TNT Sports

Gradel slotted home from 12 metres after Serge Aurier's pass was deflected into his path by a defender as the Elephants finally broke Mali's stubborn resistance after dominating the game.

Bakary Sako scored with a brilliant volley after seven minutes for Mali to leave the Ivorians chasing the game.

It was the second straight 1-1 draw for both sides in Group D, leaving them with two points apiece. Cameroon and Guinea, with one point each, were meeting later on Saturday.

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