2017 WAFU Cup: Moussa Kone strikes late to earn Mali qualification slot

By Felix Frimpong

Two late goals from Moussa Kone was all but what sealed qualification slot for the Eagles of Mali over Al-Murabitun of Mauritania in the ongoing 2017 WAFU tournament.

The epic clash between two well known sides was tied at 1-1 until just two minutes to the close of the game when Kone conjured magic to snatch victory for the well drilled Malian side.

It took the Eagles only seven minutes into the game to knock at the door of goal when Malle Amara pulled a save out of goalkeeper Souleimane.

Mandala Konte finally broke the deadlock half way through the game from a close range having followed up Mohamed Traore’s drive from outside the box which hit the crossbar.

But Mauritania pulled parity in the space of six minute through Cheikh Samba’s volleyed shot. Kida Oumar was unlucky in the 44th minute as he saw his long drive scratch the upper right side of the post.

Both sides returned from the break chasing the match winning goal but just as everything was pointing to draw which means the fate of both teams was going to be decided through penalty shootouts Moussa Kone burst onto the scene in the 88th minute to fire Mali ahead.

Moussa Kone signed his second goal account of the afternoon in time added on when he went behind the Mauritania defence to strike the ball past goalkeeper Souleimane.

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