MALI 1-2 IVORY COAST: HOSTS WIN AFCON CLASSIC AT END

 

14.44 EST

FT: Mali 1-2 Ivory Coast

No, the final whistle goes and Ivory Coast celebrate an utterly remarkable win! They continue to defy the odds in this tournament.

There’s chaos between the Malian players and the officials at the end. Good grief, what have we just witnessed?

Updated at 14.44 EST

14.43 EST

They quite literally think it’s all over … but it’s not yet! But emotions have certainly spilled over betwee the two set of players at the end. Coaches, substitutes and players are coming to blows. Mali have one final chance, do they?

Updated at 14.43 EST

14.40 EST

GOAL! Mali 1-2 Ivory Coast (Diakite, 120)

That’s the moment and what an unbelievable moment it is!

Ivory Coast have won it with virtually the final kick! I CAN’T SPAKE!

Mali failed to clear from the set-piece and it fell nicely for Seko Fofana to drive los and powerfully, through the crowd of bodies – possibly via a deflection – before Oumar Diakite got the decisive flick which diverted it into the net.

Updated at 14.42 EST

14.39 EST

ET 30 mins: Is there one more big chance for either side left in this epic football match?

As if 120 minutes wasn’t enough, we’re going to have one more. Just one. Ivory Coast have a free-kick opportunity! Everyone will pile into the Mali box here, surely.

Updated at 14.39 EST

14.36 EST

ET 27 mins: It’s really Mali who are making most of the running now, late in the game, with a fatigued Ivory Coast team seemingly happy to hang on for penalty kicks.

Players on both sides are suffering from cramp."

 "14.17 EST

ET 12 mins: It really doesn’t seem like Ivory Coast have 10 men now. It seems like an even money game. Bissouma, not long on the pitch, unleashes a left-footed shot but the orange shirts rush in to block.

Updated at 14.17 EST

14.15 EST

ET 10 mins: Mali haven’t been particularly potent from corners, but this time Kouyate gets his head on a good delivery from the right but can only nod it over. Another big chance, that!

Updated at 14.15 EST

14.14 EST

ET 8 mins: The orange-clad spectators are making themselves heard. Ivory Coast really believe they can nick this, but will they rue that Haller chance?

Mali are on the attack now.

Updated at 14.14 EST

14.12 EST

ET 6 mins: Crossbar! Haller with the leap, the hang in the air and the header and you really felt he was going to score, after meeting Kouyate’s cross. But no, the woodwork denied him.

Then Adingra is flagged offside when trying to sneak it down the left.

Updated at 14.12 EST

14.10 EST

ET 5 mins: Wasted pass after wasted pass. If Éric Chelle had hair, he’d be tearing it out right now. Mali must regain their composure"