The senior national football team, the Black Stars twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against Mali in the final World Cup and Nations Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Mali took the lead in the 22nd minute through Lassana who unleashed a volley just at the edge of the 18-yard box. It was a well deserved lead from Stephen Keshi's side who clearly dominated play in the opening minutes. The Stars looked completely out of sorts and had only a 5th minute header from captain Stephen Appiah that took a ricochet of the goal post to cheer about. The Malians kept the Stars strikers of Asamoah Gyan and Mathew Amoah completely at bay, at least in the first half and looked more determined to avenge the 0-2 defeat they suffered in the hands of the Stars when the two sides met in June. From recess, Mathew Amoah equalised after he pounced on a rebound from goalkeeper Sidibe of Mali. It took two blistering shots, first from Gyan which was spilled into the path of Essien, who also unleashed another. Sidibe tried but could only manage a finger tip save, as the lurking Amoah easily tapped in for the equaliser. The goal brought some life to the Baba Yara Stadium but that was short lived as the Malians in a swift response and a stupendous header from Ndiaye Tenema in the 69th minute saw them back in front. The Stars lifted their game after three high profile substitutions from Milovan Rajevac. Skipper Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien all gave way for Kwadwo Asamoah, Lee Addy and Agyemang Badu respectively to take their places. In the 83rd minute the Stars drew level and the goal came from the most unlikely source, Anthony Annan who defied his diminutive stature, soared above his markers and headed home to save the blushes of the Stars.