The Eagles of Mali are the latest team to reach the last eight of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) after seeing off neighbours Burkina Faso 2-0.
It was the penultimate Round of 16 game.
Both sides are yet to win the tournament despite coming close with the Stallions losing the final to Nigeria in South Africa 11 years ago.
But it was the Malians who started well after the Burkinabes conceded an own goal at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in the third minute.
Buoyed by the solitary lead coming from the break, the Eagles doubled the lead in just the second minute of resumption.
Though the Stallions pulled one back through Bertrand Traore from the spot, the Malians maintained their composure to end the game.
They will next play hosts La Côte d’Ivoire for a place in the semi-finals.
The final Round of 16 game will be between Morocco and South Africa.
The Atlas Lions and the Bafana Bafana are set to lock horns in the final Round of 16 game on Tuesday, January 30 as to who faces Cape Verde.
