Mali’s football team dominated their last-16 clash against Burkina Faso at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo on Tuesday in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mali showed their strength by scoring two goals in quick succession at the start of each half and eventually winning the match 2-1.
The first goal came within three minutes of the game’s start, as Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba accidentally deflected the ball into his net, giving Mali-an early lead.
The second goal came just two minutes after the break when Lassine Sinayoko, who had already scored three goals in the tournament, scored a goal for his team.
Though Burkina Faso managed to pull one back when Bertrand Traore scored a penalty just before the hour mark, they couldn’t find the equalizer against Mali’s tough defense.
Mali’s solid defense has been one of the reasons why they are considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Mali’s team has played the most games, 55, at the Cup of Nations without lifting the trophy, but this year, they are determined to change that.
They are a well-rounded team with explosive forwards, and while the scoreline may not have been emphatic, they were comfortable winners in the end.
Mali’s first goal came when Amadou Haidara’s powerful header rebounded off the post, and Tapsoba’s attempt to clear the ball only ended up with him steering it into his net.
The second goal was a result of Sinayoko’s excellent play, as he was played into acres of space on the right-hand side of the box by Hamari Traore and scored a cool finish under goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
Burkina Faso tried to fight back, and they had the chance to score when the ball struck Mali defender Kiki Kouyate’s outstretched arm, and a Video Assistant Referee review led to a spot-kick.
Traore scored the penalty, but it wasn’t enough to bring his team back into the game.
Burkina Faso tried to push forward, but they couldn’t create many chances in the closing minutes.
Mali’s next challenge is a quarter-final match against Ivory Coast, which will be played in Bouake on Saturday.
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