Late Mali goal denies Weah dream start

Host nation Mali hit a late equaliser to deny Liberia captain George Weah a fitting start to the African Nations Cup today.

Weah, who has battled almost single-handedly against all odds to keep his war-ravaged country's team together, had headed Liberia in front in the last minute of the first half.

Liberia appeared to be holding out comfortably for a win until midfielder Seydou Keita scored with a low shot from outside the penalty, which went in off the post. Mali's equaliser was greeted with ecstasy by the 60,000 crowd.

Former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Weah, who captains, manages, funds and plays for his country at the age of 35, got on the scoresheet when he outjumped the Mali defence at the far post to head in a corner in the 45th minute.

Only five days earlier, Weah threatened to pull Liberia out of the tournament as his players left him in the lurch at an Ivory Coast training camp after a dispute regarding bonus money.

Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, was surprisingly awarded the African Nations Cup four years ago and the purpose-built March 26 stadium was nearly full hours before kick-off as the long-wait finally ended.

After an exuberant opening ceremony, the game got off to a slow start and only came to life in the five minutes before halftime.

Frank Seator could have put Liberia in front in the 40th minute when he broke clear after Boubacar Diarra slipped, but his shot went wide.

A minute later, Liberia goalkeeper Louis Crayton failed to hold a 20-metre shot by Soumaila Coulibaly but no Malian player was ready for the rebound.

Weah, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira, put Liberia ahead following a corner won and taken by James Debbah.

Liberia played a counter-attacking game after the break but a nervous Malian team offered little threat until Keita's last-gasp equaliser.