Dec 25 (BBC) -- Home team Mali forced Ghana to a 1-1 draw in this lack-lustre Xmas Day friendly. The fans were totaly disappointed with the outcome of the match - a warm-up for the African Nations Cup, starting on January 19.

The Malians had a distinct lack of organisation and defensive play. But team coach Henri Kasperczak said he was pleased with the overall performance. He blamed the absence of four top overseas-based players for the un-inspiring performance. Kasperczak, appointed in October, believes his team will jell when the four arrive for the tournament.

Ghana's Black Stars were also without many of their stars. But they went ahead 10 minutes into the game when Gyan Bafour put the ball in the net.

Mid-way into the second half, midfielder Seydou Keita squeezed in the equaliser. It was consolation for the Malian fans, who turned out in huge numbers for the first international in this picturesque city on the Niger River. A fortnight ago, the fans watched in disbelief as their team were humiliated 3-1 in a friendly in the city of Sikasso.

Kufuor Left Out Of Black Stars Squad For Mali Friendly Dec 24 (Joy Online) -- Indications are that the senior national team, the Black Stars will play their remaining matches in Mali and Spain without deputy Captain, Samuel Osei Kuffour. The Bayern Munich Defender, who is currently in the country, has not reported to camp because the technical handlers of the team have not invited him.

Kufuor came under heavy criticism for comments he granted BBC Sports online about the non-preparedness of the team for the African cup of nations in Mali next year.

Black Stars Coach, Osam Duodu wrote to Kufuor asking him to confirm or retract the statements attributed to him. Though the player who is also in line to be named Africa player of the year 2001, reacted to Osam’s letter, it was copied to the press and not Coach Osam Duodu. Meanwhile, the Black Stars are scheduled to leave for Mali today aboard a Ghana Airforce plane.

Appiah To Feature For Black Stars

Dec 24 (Joy Online)--- Stephen Appiah of Italian club side AC Parma is expected to join the Black Stars soon. Appiah left the clubs training session early Saturday during the team’s morning workouts due to a muscular injury. The injury is however not career threatening. Appiah’s injury ruled him out of Parma’s league match against Fiorentina on Sunday.

It is however not known whether the Ghanaian would undergo surgery. The short-term absence of the Ghanaian midfielder is not expected to derail the plans of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars for next year's African Cup of Nations.

Stephen Appiah is however due in Accra on Tuesday to join the team for Ghana’s game against the Spanish select side on 29th December. Also to make up the team is Italy’s Serie-A player, Mohammed Gargo, who plays for Udinese. The delay by players in joining the Black Stars is attributed to the European league system, which is currently on recess.