Hosts Angola conceded four late goals to draw 4-4 with Mali in a dramatic opening match of the African Cup of Nations in Luanda.

Angola were in complete control after striker Flavio headed two goals in quick succession late in the first half, and Gilberto added the third with a twice-taken penalty before Manucho converted a second penalty to put them 4-0 up. But in an an extraordinary game Seydou Keita was on target twice as the Malians scored four times in the last 11 minutes! Leaving hosts Angola deflated after it looked like they were cruising to victory.

The opening game of the African Cup of Nations tournament began with a minute's silence, for the victims of the gun attack on the Togo team bus. Despite the attack, Sunday's opening game went ahead and in the first half hour it was a scrappy affair with neither team looking likely to break the deadlock. That was until the 36th minute when Flavio was left unmarked at a free-kick and headed in from close range after Gilberto had supplied the ball.

Angola's lead was doubled six minutes later, again by Flavio who connected with a cross from Mabina. Angola continued their dominance in the second half and added a third goal in the 67th minute, after Gilberto both won and converted a penalty, scoring at the second attempt after his first effort was disallowed for encroachment. And Manucho scored the fourth, again from the penalty spot seven minutes later after Keita fouled Gilberto.

Despite being four goals down, Mali always had a chance with Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra, Barcelona's Seydou Keita and Sevilla's Frederic Kanoute in their line-up. And Keita started the fightback by scoring in a goalmouth scramble after goalkeeper Carlos Fernandes fumbled a corner (picture above). Kanoute then out-jumped his marker to head the second in the 88th minute, Keita volleyed a third at the far post in stoppage time and Mustapha Yatabare completed one of the most incredible fightbacks to leave the opening game of the African Cup of Nations drawn at 4-4!