Group D : Electrifying Mali-Angola Game

The ongoing African Nations Championship is picking up in steam with more electrifying encounters as the competition rides on. The first Group D game that pitted Mali against Angola yesterday January 16, 2023 which ended on a 3-3 tie produced much sensation. The Malians being two gaols down less than 15 minutes to the end of regular play time, woke up from slumber to pick one point. Depu scored the first brace of the tournament (12’,26’) and Miguel Vieira scored the third for Angola (72’). Sinayoko (23’), Diaby (78’) and Kalaba (83’) netted for the Eagles. 
In their fifth participation and having played two finals, Mali were favourites, but the well-structured and competitive nature of the Angolan championship played the magic. Again, there was a lot of communication and understanding in the Angolan squad given that a majority of the players are from leading club Petro Luanda.  This was evident as the Angolans began pressurising right from the first minutes of play. It was at the 12th minute that a beautiful combination saw Afonso cross the ball to meet Depu who was on time to slide it past goalkeeper Germain Berthe (Mali’s captain). The Angolans had openings to double thanks to the efficiency of the midfield that could favourably connect with the attackers but just came close. It was rather their Malian opponent’s who found favour at the 23’ than...