Sako gives Mali draw with Ghana

Ghana’s Black Stars drew 1-1 with Mali in the team’s second international friendly game in France on Tuesday night.

A converted penalty by Bakary Sako cancelled out Emmanuel Agyemang Badu’s goal, as both teams went at each other with gusto.

Christian Atsu started brightly for Ghana and he troubled Mali’s stand in captain Adama Tamboura in the first half.

Richmond Boakye Yiadom led the line well and he was always looking to bring his team-mates into play.

Mali was also dangerous, with Modibo Maiga’s vicious shot cannoning off the cross bar with Fatau Dauda well beaten.

Seven minutes after the restart, Ghana got its break through.

Agyemang Badu made a run past Boakye Yiadom, who set him up.

The Udinese midfielder slipped the ball past goalkeeper Soumbeila Diakite and fired home for the opener.

Mali fought back but Ghana was well in control.

The equalizer came as a result of an unnecessary foul by Boakye Yiadom.

Mali had a corner kick and Boakye Yiadom jumped all over a Malian attacker, leaving the referee with no option than to point to the spot.

Bakary Sako duly converted with a cheeky penalty to level the scores.

Boakye Yiadom almost made amends but after a defensive mistake, his shot beat the goalkeeper and hit the post.

Several changes were made that disrupted the rhythm of the game, with both sides settling for a 1-1 draw.

Ghana XI v Mali: Fatau Dauda – Harrison Afful, Daniel Amartey, John Boye/Edwin Gyimah, Jeffrey Schlupp – Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Rabiu Mohammed – Christian Atsu/Kwesi Appiah, Andre Ayew/Mubarak Wakaso, Frank Acheampong/David Accam – Richmond Boakye Yiadom/Jordan Ayew.