Weah denied

Keita's late strike saves host Mali

BAMAKO (Reuters) -- Host nation Mali hit a late equalizer to deny Liberia captain George Weah a fitting start to the African Nations Cup on Saturday.

Weah, who has battled almost single-handedly against all odds to keep his war-ravaged country's team together, had headed Liberia in front in the last minute of the first half.

Liberia appeared to be holding out comfortably for a win until midfielder Seydou Keita scored with a low shot from outside the penalty, which went in off the post. Mali's equalizer was greeted with ecstasy by the 60,000 crowd.

Former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Weah, who captains, manages, funds and plays for his country at the age of 35, got on the scoresheet when he outjumped the Mali defense at the far post to head in a corner in the 45th minute.

It was a fitting reward for Weah, who recently has also faced the more mundane problems of rows over prize money.

Only five days earlier, Weah -- who in the past has almost quit in exasperation at the problems facing him -- threatened to pull Liberia out of the tournament as his players left him in the lurch at an Ivory Coast training camp in another bonus row.

Mali, one of the world's poorest countries, was surprisingly awarded the African Nations Cup four years ago and the purpose-built March 26 stadium was nearly full hours before kick-off as the long-wait finally ended.

After an exuberant opening ceremony, the game got off to a slow start and only came to life in the five minutes before halftime.

Frank Seator could have put Liberia in front in the 40th minute when he broke clear after Boubacar Diarra slipped, but his shot went wide.

A minute later, Liberia goalkeeper Louis Crayton failed to hold a 20-metre shot by Soumaila Coulibaly but no Malian player was ready for the rebound.

Weah, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates with Al Jazira, put Liberia ahead following a corner won and taken by James Debbah.

Liberia played a counter-attacking game after the break but a nervous Malian team offered little threat until Keita's last-gasp equalizer.

 

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