Mali advanced to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2013 after defeating Burkina Faso 2-1 at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Tuesday.
Lassine Sinayoko scored his third goal of the tournament as Mali reached the last eight for the 7th time in history.
An early own goal from Edmond Tapsoba gave the Eagles a great start in the round of 16 match against their west African neighbors, and Sinayoko doubled Mali’s lead just after halftime.
Bertrand Traore pulled a goal back for Burkina Faso from the penalty spot after Boubakar Kouyate handled the ball in the box, but it wasn’t enough as Mali held on for the win.
Mali shocked Burkina Faso after just over two minutes when a powerful header from Amadou Haidara struck the post and rebounded off Tapsoba into the net. Sinayoko then made it 2-0 in the 47th minute after breaking clear of Tapsoba and slotting past goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
Traore converted his third penalty of the tournament in the 57th minute after Kouyate was penalized for handball, but Issoufou Dayo had a late equalizer ruled out for offside as Burkina Faso fell short.
Mali will now face Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals on Saturday, with a semifinal spot on the line. The match against the hosts will take place in Bouake.
Mali made six changes from their final group stage match, including a new four-man midfield, while Burkina Faso brought in Aston Villa forward Traore as captain as they sought to reach the last eight for the first time since 2013.
The match was played in 36 degree Celsius heat, but Mali handled the conditions better to set up a quarterfinal date with Ivory Coast.
