Angolan And Malian Teams' 2010 Matchup

The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, was held in Angola from 10 January 2010 to 31 January 2010. Angola, the host country, played against Mali in a thrilling match that ended in a 4-4 draw. This match is notable for its high number of goals, with Mali mounting a remarkable comeback in the last 16 minutes of the game. This match was part of the tournament's group stage, with Angola and Mali placed in Group A.

Angola vs Mali match overview

Angola and Mali faced off in the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Angola. The match, played on 10 January 2010, was a thrilling encounter that ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw.

Angola raced to a 4-0 lead with goals from Flávio, Gilberto, and Manucho, who scored two. However, Mali staged a remarkable comeback in the dying minutes of the game. Seydou Keita and Frédéric Kanouté brought them within two goals, and Mustapha Yatabaré completed the fightback with the equalising goal in the 90th minute.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams and their supporters. Angola was left stunned by the turnaround, having been in a commanding position for most of the game. Mali, on the other hand, celebrated a hard-earned point after their late surge.

The game showcased the talent and determination of both sides, with Angola starting strongly and Mali refusing to give up until the final whistle. The result had a significant impact on the tournament's dynamics, with both teams aiming to advance from Group A.

Player performance analysis

Angola and Mali played out a thrilling 4-4 draw in the 2010 African Cup of Nations. The match was full of impressive individual performances, with eight different players getting on the scoresheet.

Angola

Amado Flavio (36', 42')

Amado Flavio was the star of the first half, scoring two goals in six minutes to put Angola in a commanding position. Flavio's movement and finishing ability caused the Mali defence problems throughout the match.

Sebastiao Felisberto Graca Amaral Gilberto (67' Pen)

Gilberto added to Flavio's brace with a penalty in the 67th minute, giving Angola what looked like an unassailable 3-0 lead. However, Gilberto's goal seemed to spark Mali into life, and he was unable to prevent the Mali comeback.

Manucho (74')

With Angola seemingly in total control, Manucho added a fourth with another penalty. Mali's defence appeared to have no answer to Manucho's pace and movement, and he was a constant threat throughout the match.

Mali

Seydou Keita (79', 90'+3')

Keita led the Mali comeback with two well-taken goals, the first of which gave his team hope, and the second of which brought them right back into the game.

Frédéric Kanouté (88')

Kanouté pulled Mali closer with a well-taken header, making it 4-3 and setting up a tense finish to the game.

Mustapha Yatabaré (90'+4')

Yatabaré was the hero for Mali, scoring with virtually the last kick of the game to complete an unlikely comeback and ensure the points were shared.

Manuel José's coaching

Manuel José is a Portuguese football manager, regarded as one of the most successful coaches in CAF competitions. He was appointed by the Angolan Football Federation as the national team's head coach in May 2009, with a focus on the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, which Angola hosted.

José's coaching style is described as one that brings success. He is credited with discovering Luís Figo while at Sporting CP, and led the team to some of their most famous victories. During his career, he has won the CAF Champions League a record four times, the CAF Super Cup four times, and was the first manager to take an African team to the medal positions in the FIFA Club World Cup in 2006.

However, one of José's most infamous games was Angola's match against Mali in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. Angola was winning 4-0 with just 15 minutes to go, but ended up drawing the game 4-4. Many blamed José for the result, saying that he was too confident and failed to instruct his team to close out the game. One commentator said that José "should have been more cautious... the complete disarray happened with the 3-4... Manuel José should have done some time-wasting... it was time to tell a player to feign injury and lie on the ground."

Despite this setback, José remained as Angola's coach for the rest of the tournament, and after a quarter-final defeat to Ghana, he apologised to the Angolan people and left his post by mutual agreement.

Angola's defence

The Angolan defence was blamed for their lack of concentration and poor performance in the final minutes of the game. One commentator, N_Shadow19, predicted that the defence would be shaken and uncertain in the upcoming games due to this experience. Another commentator, LEAOSELVAGEM, criticised the team's manager, Manuel José, for not intervening and providing guidance to the team during the collapse.

However, some commentators defended the team and manager, acknowledging the overall strong performance up until the 75th minute. One commentator, Regional_Sport, argued that it was unfair to blame Manuel José for the result, as he had made the Angolan team perform at 300% of their capacity until the 75-minute mark.

Despite the criticism and praise, the match between Angola and Mali in the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations highlighted areas for improvement for the Angolan defence, particularly in maintaining focus and consistency throughout the entire game.

Player and coach reactions

Sachmo Nakro from Delaware predicted a Mali win, but also said Angola could win, or it may be a draw.

The Eurosport commentator said: "There's no pattern to the game yet. It's a pattern of manure sprayed against a wall."

Tom at the Guardian wrote: "Angola were 4-0 up with 16 minutes to go. I'd like to say it was excellent play from Mali to come back but Angola tired very, very badly: Mali were terrible for most of the game. Angola need Graham Onions in defence."

Keita stood over the ball as Mali lined up a free-kick. It took a big deflection, but Angola cleared the corner.

Kanoute was caught offside as Mali attacked again.

Angola's Flavio was described as "the most dangerous man so far" after his first goal.

Kanoute was described as "wandering around aimlessly" in the first half.

Mali's goalkeeper, Sidibe, was described as having to "zoom off his line" to claim the ball as Angola found some early space down the left.

Angola's Flavio was tackled as he advanced into the box.

Mali's Richy Samboura, the Malian ace and sometime Bon Jovi guitarist, tricked his way down the left but couldn't keep possession.

Mali's Traore's centre was cleared easily after they won a corner.

Angola's Flavio trotted across the edge of the box but his shot went straight into the arms of Sidibe.

Mali's Diarra cushioned the ball on the edge of the six-yard box but Angola's Fernandes blocked the shot.

Angola's Mabina whipped a cross straight onto Flavio's head for his second goal. Sidibe had no chance.

Mali's Tamboura lofted the ball to Kanoute, who leapt to plant a magnificent header past Fernandes for his goal.

Keita took advantage of a keeping error to score. Fernandes dropped an innocent cross, and there was a scramble in the six-yard box before Keita stabbed it home.

Mali were given too much time to cross for Keita's second goal, which he took on the volley and walloped past Fernandes.

Fernandes could only parry a shot and Yattabare slammed the rebound home for Mali's equaliser.

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