Mali have defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 to secure their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Mali were without Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma due to a reported injury, and returning midfielder Amadou Haidara was crucial to their opener inside the first three minutes.
The RB Leipzig player’s perfectly timed run resulted in a fine cross from the right, and Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Burkina Faso’s main defender, headed it in after it bounced off the post.
That set the Eagles on their way after coming through the groups with AFCON’s joint-best defensive record.
Mali looked more likely to score as they tested Herve Koffi time and again in the Stallions’ goal.
Burkina Faso made two changes at the break yet saw their gameplan collapse within minutes of the restart as a failed offside trap allowed Sanayoko to stroll in behind and double Mali’s lead.
A lifeline was given to the Stallions after Mohamed Konate’s headed effort came off the arm of Boubacar Kouyate for VAR to award the penalty that was converted by skipper Bertrand Traore in the 57th minute.
The Stallions eventually gained their rhythm and piled on the pressure, but a resolute Mali defence kept them at bay as the Eagles soar into the quarter-finals to face tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, on Saturday, February 3, in Bouake.
Author
Leave a comment