Mali emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
The early moments of each half saw Mali assert their dominance, with an Edmond Tapsoba own goal and Lassine Sinayoko’s precise strike finding the net. Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma was notably absent due to an injury report, but the return of midfielder Amadou Haidara played a pivotal role in Mali’s opener within the initial three minutes.
A well-executed cross from the right met RB Leipzig’s Haidara, whose perfectly timed header rattled off the post before being inadvertently guided in by Burkina Faso’s main man, Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba. This early breakthrough set the Eagles on a promising course, having advanced through the group stage with the joint-best defensive record in AFCON.
Throughout the match, Mali consistently tested Herve Koffi, Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, appearing more likely to extend their lead. Despite Burkina Faso making two halftime changes, their game plan crumbled shortly after the restart when a failed offside trap allowed Sanayoko to stroll in behind and double Mali’s advantage.
Nevertheless, the Stallions found a lifeline when VAR identified a handball by Kiki Kouyate in the box, leading to Bertrand Traore converting a penalty and reigniting Burkina Faso’s hopes for the final half-hour.
In a dramatic turn of events, Issoufou Dayo appeared to secure a 90th-minute equalizer with a header, only for the joy to be short-lived as the offside flag promptly intervened. Mali managed to see out the tie, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with host nation Ivory Coast.