Sinayoko sends Mali through

Mali booked a quarter-final meeting with hosts Cote d’Ivoire by holding on to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations last night. 

An own goal from Edmond Tapsoba gave the Eagles a third-minute lead, and Mali had several chances to add to their advantage before half-time. 

Lassine Sinayoko did make it 2-0 early in the second half with a finish through the legs of goalkeeper Herve Koffi, but Bertrand Traore pulled a goal back for the Stallions from the penalty spot just before the hour mark.

Issoufou Dayo thought he had equalised for the Burkinabe in the final minute, but his header from a free-kick was ruled out for offside and Mali saw out eight minutes of added time.

The Eagles have reached the last eight for the first time since 2013, and Eric Chelle’s side will now face the Ivorians on Saturday (7pm) for a place in the semi-finals. — BBC. Sport.