Mali booked a quarter-final meeting with hosts Ivory Coast by holding on to beat Burkina Faso at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The Eagles took an early lead with an own goal from Edmond Tapsoba in the third minute, and despite numerous opportunities, they couldn’t extend their advantage before halftime.
In the early moments of the second half, Lassine Sinayoko increased Mali’s lead to 2-0 with a well-placed finish through the legs of Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper, Herve Koffi. However, Bertrand Traore managed to pull a goal back for the Stallions from the penalty spot just before the hour mark.
Burkina Faso’s Issoufou Dayo believed he had equalized in the final minute with a header from a free-kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Mali successfully navigated through eight minutes of added time to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
This marks Mali’s first entry into the last eight since 2013, and they are now set to face Ivory Coast on Saturday (17:00 GMT) for a chance to advance to the semi-finals.