Mali secured their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 quarter-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Korhogo.
As a result, they face tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 3 February in Bouake.
Mali took the lead just three minutes into the game when a powerful header from Amadou Haidara hit the woodwork and rebounded off Edmond Tabsoba’s clearance, ending up in his net.
Mali continued to dominate the game and had several chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert them into goals.
In the second half, Lassine Sinayoko doubled Mali’s lead by beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past the keeper. However, Burkina Faso was given a lifeline when Mohamed Konate’s header struck the arm of Boubacar Kouyate, and VAR awarded a penalty which Bertrand Traore converted.
Burkina Faso piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the game, but Mali’s defense held strong and ensured victory.
