Heartbreak for Gabon as Mali edge throug from seestyle's blog

Mali reached the semi-finals of the African Mykal Walker Jersey Cup of Nations after defeating co-hosts Gabon 5-4on penalties.Eric Mouloungui had given Gabon the lead before Tidiane Diabates late equalizer forced extra-time in Libreville.Neither side could find a break-through during the allotted 30 minutes, and Mali progre sed to the last four after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang mi sed the vital kick.The West Africans will now face the Ivory Coast on Darren Hall Jersey Wednesday, after The Elephants progre sed at the expense of Equatorial Guinea. The semi-finals will now be without either of the tournaments hosts following todays events. It could have been so different for Gabon however, after they had held the lead up until the last five minutes of the game.The Panthers took the lead in the 55th minute. After Mali had failed to deal with a lofted Atlanta Falcons Accessories ball into the area, Aubameyang cut the ball back into the danger area for Mouloungui to sweep home via a deflection. The goal was met with euphoric celebrations from players and fans alike, as all a sociated with Gabon dreamt of making their first ever African Nations semi-finals.The goal wasno more than what Gabon deserved, having looked the more dangerous of the two sides after striking the woodwork twice through that man Aubameyang and striker Daniel Cousin. Mali, Atlanta Falcons Polos on the other hand, looked disorganised and devoid of ideas as time began to run out for them and their ACONs campaign.Anequalizer was found however, as Tidiane Diabates shot on the turn squirmed under Didier Ovonos body and into the net. The goalkeepers frustration at conceding was there for all to see, as was the relief felt Elijah Wilkinson Jersey by the Malian players having found a goal that had previously Olamide Zaccheaus Jersey looked unlikely.After extra-time pa sed without any changes to the scoreline, Barcelonas Seydou Keita held his nerve to hit the winning penalty after Aubameyangs effort had been saved.Malis bid to win their first ever African Nations crown stays alive for now. As for Gabon, their adventure comes to an agonizing conclusion.