Afrigather Mali reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the primary time since 2013 after Burkina Faso 2-1 on Monday to arrange an thrilling fixture in opposition to host nation Ivory Coast for a spot within the semi-finals.
An personal aim from Edmond Tapsoba gave the Eagles a third-minute lead, and Mali had a number of probabilities so as to add to their benefit earlier than half-time.
Lassine Sinayoko did make it 2-0 early within the second half with a end by means of the legs of goalkeeper Herve Koffi, however Bertrand Traore pulled a aim again for the Stallions from the penalty spot simply earlier than the hour mark.
Issoufou Dayo thought he had equalised for the Burkinabe within the ultimate minute, however his header from a free-kick was dominated out for offside and Mali noticed out eight minutes of added time.
The Eagles of Mali have reached the final eight for the primary time since 2013, and Eric Chelle’s facet will now face the Ivory Coast on Saturday for a spot within the semi-finals.
“It was a very robust match in opposition to a superb facet. We needed to work further onerous, however I’m glad we finally acquired the outcome,” stated Sinayoko.
“We will rejoice this victory whereas conserving behind our minds that there’s nonetheless lots of work forward.”
Premier League duo Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur and Dango Ouattara of Bournemouth each began on the bench for Mali and Burkina Faso respectively.
Mali made six adjustments from the facet that fought a 0-0 draw with Namibia to prime Group E, together with a brand new four-man midfield.
Group D runners-up Burkina Faso modified 4 of the facet overwhelmed 2-0 by Angola with out-of-favour Aston Villa ahead Traore the captain.
