The process is underway. After finishing at the top of its group, Mali was expected to continues its progress in the Round of 16. The task did not look easy, since Mohamed Camara and his team would face Burkina Faso, semi-finalists in the last edition. Against the Stallions, the Malians showed themselves solid, but might have believed they were experiencing a new disaster scenario.
A sensational entrance
The match started perfectly for the Eagles who, after a perfectly executed bit of collective play, delivered a dangerous cross into the open area. First headed, the ball hits the post, before coming off the unfortunate Edmond Tapsoba, who scored an own goal into the top corner (3', 1-0). Dominant, the Malians were then not far from doubling the lead, and without the solid interventions of Hervé Koffi (24' and 30') would have done so.
A stressful but successful ending
As soon as the restart, Mohamed Camara's teammates moved up a gear, and doubled the lead through Lassine Sinayoko, who slipped a surgical finish between the legs of the helpless Étalons goalkeeper, to give a two-goal lead to his team (47', 2-0).
Down, but not out, Burkina Faso regained hope shortly before the hour mark, when Bertrand Traoré reduced the score from the penalty spot (57'). The scenario seemed to be turning in Mali's favor, but in the final moments, Issoufou Dayo though he had the much-dreamed-of equalizer, before being flagged offside (90').
Down, but not out, Burkina Faso regained hope shortly before the hour mark, when Bertrand Traoré reduced the score from the penalty spot (57'). The scenario seemed to be turning in Mali's favor, but in the final moments, Issoufou Dayo though he had the much-dreamed-of equalizer, before being flagged offside (90').
Into the quarterfinals against Côte d'Ivoire... and Wilfried Singo
Things would no longer change, and Mohamed Camara, replaced in the dying seconds, could exult: Mali would return to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 11 years. And the Monegasque midfielder knows one of his next opponents rather well, since it is none other than the… Côte d’Ivoire of Wilfried Singo. The match between the two players from Le Rocher takes place this Saturday, February 3 at 6 p.m..Daghe Mo' ! 🇲🇱
Photo: Icon Sport
Photo: Icon Sport
Next for Mali 🇲🇱
Africa Cup of Nations – Quarterfinals
Saturday, February 3 (18h) : Mali – Côte d’Ivoire, Stade de la Paix (Bouaké)
Saturday, February 3 (18h) : Mali – Côte d’Ivoire, Stade de la Paix (Bouaké)
