Mali Beat Guinea On Penalties To Book Final Spot

Mali have booked themselves a spot in the final of the African Nations Championship after a penalty-shootout over Guinea at Japoma Stadium on Wednesday.

The Eagles dominated the last four contest from start to finish but could not make the breakthrough in extra time with the West Africans needing penalties to advance to the final four after a goalless draw.

Moussa Kyabou came close to giving Mali the lead after the fifth minute, but his curling free-kick forced Moussa Camara to good save.

Guinea’s first chance of the game arrived five minutes before the halftime break, as Morlaye Sylla headed just wide from 12-yards out.

Camara came to Guinea’s rescue minutes after the halftime break keeping out yet another Mamadou Doumbia free-kick.

Gnagna Barry squandered a chance to give the Syli Nationale the lead in the 50th minute, the midfielder did well to beat his marker but ended up firing into the side-netting.

Mali continued to pile on the pressure and went close in the 67th minute but another fine stop from Camara denied them from getting the opener.

Kanfory Bangoura’s ‘s side struggled to create openings in the second half but nearly broke the deadlock in the 90th minute, as Victor Kantabadouno’s stinging effort crashed against the upright.

With no meaningful offensive threat from any side in extra time, the contest would eventually be settled via a penalty shootout.

A save from Djigui Diarra denied Morlaye Sylla, leaving Mamadou Coulibaly to convert the winning penalty for Mali and book their final spot, where they take on Cameroon or Morocco.