Mali booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 2-1 win against Burkina Faso, capitalizing on quick starts in each half at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo on Tuesday.
Mali wasted no time, scoring within three minutes as an own goal from Edmond Tapsoba set them on course. Lassine Sinayoko doubled their lead two minutes into the second half with his third goal of the tournament.
Despite Burkina Faso pulling one back through Bertrand Traore’s penalty just before the hour-mark, Mali’s formidable defense, a key factor in their status as tournament favorites, held firm.
Mali, aiming for their first Africa Cup of Nations title, will face hosts Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals in Bouake on Saturday. With 55 games played in the Cup of Nations without lifting the trophy, Mali showcased their defensive prowess and explosive forwards, proving why they could be contenders this year.
The opening goal came within three minutes when Amadou Haidara’s header rebounded off the post, leading to Tapsoba’s own goal. Mali extended their lead early in the second half, with Sinayoko calmly finishing after being set up by Hamari Traoré.
Burkina Faso managed to narrow the gap with Traore’s penalty, but despite pushing for an equalizer, they couldn’t breach Mali’s solid defense. Issoufou Dayo had the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside, and Burkina Faso struggled to create meaningful chances in the closing minutes.
