Afcon Match Report: Cote d'Ivoire 1-1 Mali 24 January 2015

Africa Cup of Nations - Group D   Result: Cote d'Ivoire 1-1 Mali   Date: 24 January 2015   Venue: Nuevo Estadio de Malabo   Max Gradel struck in the 86th minuet to earn Cote d'Ivoire a 1-1 draw with Mali in their second Afcon Group D clash.   View The Afcon Group Standings   The game got off to a surprising start, as Mali forward Bakary gave his side the lead with a fine left-footed volley in the seventh minute.   The Ivorians' first meaningful chance arrived in the 21st minute, Serge Aurier pulled the back for Seydou Doumbia, who saw his effort palmed away by Diakite.   Kolo Toure went even close for the Elephants in the 33rd minute, as his header was tipped onto the crossbar by Diakite.   Cote d'Ivoire continued to search for the equaliser after the halftime break and went close in the 51st minute, with Wilfried Bony heading over from close range.   Mali were dealt a blow midway through the first half, as goalkeeper Soumaila Diakité had to be substituted due to a foot injury.   Ivory Coast pushed for the equaliser and were rewarded in the 86th minute, as substitute Max Gradel collected a pass from Aurier before firing a first-time effort into the far corner.   Here's how they lined up:   Cote d'Ivoire: Gbohou, Aurier, Kolo Touré, Bailly, Kanon, Yaya Touré, Tioté, Diomandé, Tiéné, Doumbia, Bony   Mali: Diakiré, D. Diakité, Wagué, S. Coulibaly, Tamboura, Sylla, N'Diaye, Keita, S. Yatabaré, Sako, M. Yatabaré